12:30 a.m.
Hello Everyone,
(and apologies for the cross-posting)
Please see below and attached for an open position in Forest Genetics, Genomics, &
Tree Breeding at the University of Georgia
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<http://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(a)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(a)uga.edu) Please do not contact the department
or search committee with such requests.
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Caterina Villari (she/her)
Associate Professor
Co-Director - Southern Pine Health Research Cooperative
706 389 5031 Office
706 542 0119 Lab
cvillari(a)uga.edu
Institutional Page<https://warnell.uga.edu/directory/people/caterina-villari>
southernpinehealth.org<https://southernpinehealth.org/>
D.B. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
University of Georgia
180 E Green Street
Athens, GA 30602
Integrated Plant Sciences: ips.uga.edu<https://ips.uga.edu/>