Position Announcement

Assistant/Associate Professor – Forest Genetics, Genomics, & Tree Breeding

POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Forest Genetics, Genomics and/or Tree Breeding at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, with research, instruction, and university and professional service expectations as part of a 9-month appointment. Potential areas of research may include: Forest genetics, genomics, tree breeding, genomic selection, and gene editing technologies to address the molecular genetic basis of perennial traits relevant to forest productivity, health, adaptation, wood quality, and value-added biomaterials. We are particularly interested in candidates who can build a collaborative research program with faculty in the Warnell School, across campus, and with research partners at regional, national, and international levels, employing these tools for forest health applications, conserving and restoring threatened forest tree species, and improving forest productivity.

Research responsibilities include development of an externally funded program that is recognized nationally and internationally. Teaching duties could include developing new undergraduate and graduate courses in Forest Genetics/Tree Improvement and Forest Biotechnology. Professional service includes serving on School/University committees and actively participating in professional/scientific societies.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required qualifications include a Ph.D. degree prior to the starting date in Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, Crop and Soil Science, or a closely related field. Preferred qualifications include prior graduate or postdoctoral research training or industrial experience in some area of plant genetics, genomics, biotechnology and/or breeding, and the ability to effectively communicate research findings to the forestry and plant biotechnology research communities, as evidenced by a strong publication record and engagement with stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Appointment to Associate Professor requires a record consistent with promotion to Associate Professor at the Warnell School, such as strong evidence of emerging stature as a national authority, acquiring and administering external funding, ability to produce and communicate research products, and excellence in teaching and mentoring students. Service at the Associate Professor level for 1-2 years is preferred for this rank.

THE UNIVERSITY: The University of Georgia (www.uga.edu) is a land/sea/space grant institution comprised of 18 schools and colleges. Athens is a diverse community of approximately 150,000 people located less than 75 miles from Atlanta. UGA enrolls about 41,200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Warnell School is a professional school with 68 faculty, 100 support staff, 265 undergraduates, and 240 graduate students (www.warnell.uga.edu). The School offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Forest Resources, Master of Natural Resources, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the areas of Forestry; Fisheries & Wildlife; Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management; and Natural Resource Management & Sustainability. The school manages over 17,000 acres of forestland across the state in support of its teaching, outreach, and research missions.

APPLICATION: To ensure full consideration, please apply by March 1st, 2026. All applicants MUST apply online through UGAJobs (https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/464918). Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, one-page statements of both teaching and research interests, unofficial transcripts of all college-level work, and names and contact information for three references. Individuals invited for interviews will be required to have three reference letters submitted, on their behalf, directly to the chair of the search committee. University policy requires all candidates to consent to and authorize a background investigation (www.hr.uga.edu). A background investigation and request of official transcripts will be conducted on a post-offer/pre-employment basis only. Expected start date on or before August 1, 2026. For additional information, please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Dan Johnson (danjohnson@uga.edu).

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). Please do not contact the department or search committee with such requests.

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