Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number F1965P

Working Title Assistant Professor - Turfgrass Breeding (Griffin Campus)

Department CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences resides in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which has teaching, research, and outreach programs at three campuses across the state: Athens, Griffin, and Tifton. The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences has teaching, research, and extension faculty at all three locations, which conduct basic and applied research that is important to clientele in the state of Georgia and that adds to the body of knowledge basic to agricultural production and environmental management. The Department has faculty with expertise that can be grouped into three general areas: cultivar development, genetics, and biotechnology; crop management, physiology, and weed management; and environmental sciences and natural resource management.

The Griffin Campus of the University of Georgia lies in the heart of one of the nation's fastest-growing areas. It is located just 30 miles south of Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport. The research and extension programs at the Griffin Campus focus on the following areas: turfgrass science, food safety and quality enhancement, biotechnology and genetics, crop and pest management, environmental and natural resource management, and urban agriculture. The Griffin main campus lies on 123 acres and includes four outlying research farms. The Crop and Soil Science unit at Griffin consists of 8 faculty and 9 support staff, while the Campus has 48 faculty and 109 support staff and houses the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture.

College/Unit/Department website https://cropsoil.uga.edu/

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2024

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date 05/06/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applicants should provide a cover letter that includes a statement of research and teaching philosophies, academic CV / dossier, and names with contact information for three to four references. Please direct any questions or concerns to Dr. Clint Waltz, Search Committee Chair, at cwaltz@uga.edu or (770) 228-7300.

Location of Vacancy Griffin Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.



Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Assistant Professor

FLSA

Faculty Rank Assistant Professor

Contract Type Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in agronomy, crop science, plant breeding, plant genetics, genomics, or closely related disciplines.

Position Summary

The position is a 9-month, tenure-track position in Turfgrass Breeding with 75% research, 20% instruction, and 5% service responsibilities located on the UGA Griffin Campus. UGA is seeking a turfgrass breeder that will release cultivars that have an impact on Georgia and the nation's economy while improving the ability of turfgrass managers (e.g., golf course superintendents, sports field managers, commercial lawn care professionals, and sod producers) to maintain safe and sustainable turfgrass systems. This person will be expected to utilize and develop state-of-the-art plant breeding techniques that include traditional, field-based breeding, high throughput phenotyping, and genomics to develop improved turfgrass cultivars and germplasm; focusing on turfgrasses that express improved end-use quality; reduction of management inputs and environmental impacts; pest resistance; and opportunities for commercialization. This position also offers the flexibility to solve other basic and applied agricultural problems based on industry needs and program direction.

The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively in a team environment; conduct basic and applied research; secure extramural funding; release improved cultivars and germplasm; present and publish research findings and education materials; and train graduate students, extension personnel, and industry practitioners. Participation in committee service (i.e., departmental, college, university, etc.), providing academic leadership at the statewide level, and engaging in professional societies related to crop sciences, turfgrass breeding, genetics, and management are also expected. It is presumed the successful candidate will become a member, supporting the objectives and degree programs of the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics.

Available Resources: existing germplasm for seashore paspalum, zoysiagrass, bentgrass, and tall fescue; irrigated field plots with all warm- and cool-season turfgrass species relevant to Georgia; technical field support; turfgrass maintenance equipment; wet and dry lab space; greenhouse facilities; and growth chambers.

Additional Requirements

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Training in grass breeding (especially turfgrasses) and the ability to work with molecular geneticists are desirable.
• Record of accomplishments in outreach and teaching will be viewed favorably.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Physical Demands

Lift up to 25lbs, working in field and greenhouse environments which may be a hot and cold environment depending on time of year.

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.



Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

The successful candidate must be committed to excellence in research and technology transfer. This position provides an opportunity for an individual to develop a vigorous, innovative, and independent research program with state, regional, national, and international impact. Responsibilities include program leadership, collaboration, and support mission-oriented research and educational activities related to turfgrass science. At the state, regional, and national levels, the candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative relations with various clientele within the turfgrass industry (e.g. sod and seed production, golf, sports fields, commercial lawn care, etc.). Candidate is expected to actively train and mentor graduate students.

Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial Transcripts
2. Other Documents #1