What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Professor of Forest Genetics, Genomics, & Tree Breeding position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number
F2626P
Working Title
Assistant/Associate Professor of Forest Genetics, Genomics, & Tree Breeding
Department
Warnell-Sch Forestry & Nat Res
About The University Of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department
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.
College/Unit/Department Website
www.warnell.uga.edu
Posting Type
External
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date
08/01/2026
Job Posting Date
01/14/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
To ensure full consideration, please apply by March 1st, 2026. 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).
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.
Classification Title
Open Rank
Faculty Rank
Open Rank (Tenure Track)
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree prior to the starting date in Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, Crop and Soil Science, or a closely related field.
Position Summary
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.
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.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, And/or Certification
Service at the Associate Professor level for 1-2 years is preferred for this rank.
Preferred qualifications include prior graduate or postdoctoral research training or industrial service in some area of plant genetics, genomics, biotechnology and/or breeding.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
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.
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?:
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)
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.
F2626P
Working Title
Assistant/Associate Professor of Forest Genetics, Genomics, & Tree Breeding
Department
Warnell-Sch Forestry & Nat Res
About The University Of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department
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.
College/Unit/Department Website
www.warnell.uga.edu
Posting Type
External
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date
08/01/2026
Job Posting Date
01/14/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
To ensure full consideration, please apply by March 1st, 2026. 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).
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.
Classification Title
Open Rank
Faculty Rank
Open Rank (Tenure Track)
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree prior to the starting date in Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, Crop and Soil Science, or a closely related field.
Position Summary
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.
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.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, And/or Certification
Service at the Associate Professor level for 1-2 years is preferred for this rank.
Preferred qualifications include prior graduate or postdoctoral research training or industrial service in some area of plant genetics, genomics, biotechnology and/or breeding.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
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.
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?:
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)
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.