Description

External Retirement Plan Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 10/16/2025 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Candidates should submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a research plan (max. 3 pages); and (4) a statement of teaching interests and philosophy (max. 2 pages). Plans for fostering a respectful, welcoming, and supportive environment in both research and teaching should be integrated into the respective statements. Candidates should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to: facultysearch@plantbio.uga.edu. Questions may be directed to the search committee at the same address. Completed applications (including letters) received by November 21, 2025, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected 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 as 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 online 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 online 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
A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in plant biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
Position Summary
The Department of Plant Biology at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in Plant Synthetic Biology for Strategic Resources Research.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, and actively contribute to departmental and university service.

This position offers exceptional opportunities for collaboration with faculty across UGA's extensive network of researchers in the basic and applied plant sciences.
Additional Requirements Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
At least one year of postdoctoral experience is highly desirable.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
We seek candidates with expertise in protein and metabolic engineering to advance plant-based discovery, synthesis, or capture of materials and resources of strategic importance. Areas of interest include the synthesis of critical bio-commodities, the development of phytomining platforms for elemental recovery or remediation, and the engineering of plant systems to produce sustainable and functionalized materials for the emerging bioeconomy. Candidates who integrate data science and artificial intelligence to enhance design precision, pathway engineering, synthetic reprogramming, or discovery are especially encouraged to apply.

Competitive applicants will have a strong record of research productivity and achievement, a well-developed and forward-looking research plan, and a demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels within a respectful and welcoming environment.
Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No 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? No 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) No 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

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
4. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents