Reference: R-032296

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is the state’s premier research and technology development agency in agriculture, natural resources, and the life sciences. Headquartered in College Station, AgriLife Research has a statewide presence, with scientists and research staff on other Texas A&M University System campuses and at the 13 regional Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers. We conduct more than 500 projects each year, with more than $202.5 million in research funding for fiscal year 2015. AgriLife Research helps to improve the productivity, efficiency, and profitability of agriculture. At the same time, we focus on conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.

Position: 

Assistant Professor of Inbred Rice Breeding and Genetics
Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center
Beaumont, Texas, USA

Appointment and Evaluation: This is a 100% budgeted research position. Salary will be highly competitive and commensurate with experience. Promotion decisions are the joint responsibility of the Center Director, the Head of TAMU Soil & Crop Sciences Department, and the Director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and will conform to the policies and procedures of the agency, the Department, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for the Texas A&M University System.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a closely related field is required. Preference will be given to applicants who a) document significant involvement in cultivar releases, b) demonstrate an ability to integrate advanced phenotyping, ideotype breeding, and marker-assisted selection, c) have a record of outstanding scholarly research and professional accomplishments related to cultivar development and releases, and d) have strong verbal and written communication skills. Evidence of strong analytical skills is expected. Expertise with the development and use of DNA markers, genomic methods and process-based crop models for the improvement of grain yield, quality, nutritional composition, and disease resistance is desirable. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities of this position are to: 

• Develop locally adapted inbred rice cultivars that have superior and stable performance in grain yield, quality, nutritional composition, resistance or tolerance to major diseases and insect pests, and tolerance to cold and heat stress. 
• Develop a comprehensive, cutting-edge breeding platform that optimizes and accelerates selection of breeding lines with desired traits using trait prioritization and pyramiding through the integration of genomic technologies (e.g., marker-assisted and genomic selection, genome-wide association, and gene editing), advanced and high-throughput phenotyping, process-based crop modeling, and multi-environment tests.
• Develop a nationally and internationally recognized rice breeding program as measured by the release of, and commercial adoption of, superior inbred cultivars and germplasm lines, production of high-quality peer-reviewed publications, and attainment of international, national, and local competitive grants. 
• Foster strong linkages with rice industries and associated stakeholders in Texas and other rice-producing states.
• Develop the next generation of plant breeders and rice scientists through recruitment, training, and advisement of graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Work closely with scientists of Texas A&M AgriLife Research and leverage existing strengths within the Texas A&M System and other leading research institutions; collaborate with leading plant breeders, plant geneticists, genomicists, agronomists, crop physiologists, soil scientists, plant pathologists, entomologists, and systems biologists to develop locally-adapted cultivars with superior traits and to develop externally-funded research projects.
• Develop joint research with unique programs at the Center and on campus, such as those involving crop model-assisted selection, gene editing, next-generation remote sensing, and Raman spectroscopy. 

Funding: The position is funded by Texas A&M AgriLife Research, with funds to support staff and program operations, and additional funds provided by the Texas Rice Research Foundation (TRRF). Continuing support from TRRF is anticipated but is conditional upon major progress in the development of elite breeding lines and the release of high-performing inbred cultivars, quantifying the genetic gains in combining key traits controlling yield and grain quality, and implementing a cutting-edgeadvanced phenotyping and selection program. 

Supervisor: Dr. Lloyd T. Wilson, Professor and Center Director, Jack B. Wendt Endowed Chair in Rice Research, Texas A&M University System

Location and Facilities: The incumbent will be a faculty member located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, Beaumont, Texas, USA., and will be evaluated for promotion through the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA. The Beaumont Center and its satellite station at Eagle Lake, Texas, house about 40 scientists, research and administrative support staff, and students. Research expertise includes hybrid rice breeding, plant physiology, soils and plant nutrition; insect, weed and disease management; integrated cropping systems management, and cropping systems modeling. Facilities include about 960 acres of land at Beaumont and 114 acres of land at Eagle Lake. Office, laboratory and greenhouse space, and land for field research will be provided. The Beaumont area is culturally diverse and vibrant, offering an overall quality of life with a low cost of living.

Proposed Closing Date: October 31, 2020, (to be updated) or until a suitable applicant is found

• A letter that summarizes the applicant’s expertise and unique qualifications for the position. If the applicant lacks the required or preferred qualifications, then provide a description of how these deficiencies will be overcome.
• A 5-year proposed research statement for the position. 
• A curriculum vitae that contains the following:
  • Summary of university degrees and relevant graduate and post-graduate research and training
  • Summary of related employment history
  • List of released germplasm, cultivars, and intellectual property with a description of the role the applicant played in developing each
  • List of publications (authors, year, title, journal, volume, and pages) separated by peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters, abstracts, non-refereed papers, and producer-oriented publications, with a brief description of the role the applicant played in producing each publication
  • List of grants and gift awards, including authors, the year each grant was funded, funding duration, title, total award amount, amount attributed to the applicant, and granting agency, with a brief description of the role the applicant played in developing each
  • List of presentations (authors, event, and date) separated by invited or volunteered; international, national, regional or state; and research, service or other; with a brief description for each of the role the applicant played in producing or presenting
  • A list of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students trained, and the focus of research conducted under your supervision
• PDF copies of up to 5 publications and 2 grant proposal summaries produced by the applicant to demonstrate strengths relevant to the position. 
• A list of up to 5 external references qualified to assess the applicant. Provide name, title, affiliation, physical address, phone number, and email address for each.
• A statement that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or can be legally employed in the United States. Otherwise, provide an explanation of why obtaining legal authorization to work is highly likely and the steps you anticipate taking to do so.
• Copy of official record of transcripts of undergraduate and graduate degrees

Contact Person: Communications relating to this position should be sent via email to:

Ms. Brandy Morace
(bmorace@aesrg.tamu.edu)
Sr. Administrative Coordinator II
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Beaumont, Texas, USA

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

To apply:

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is an  Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.