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Plant Breeding Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. Desirable Qualifications Ph.D or doctoral degree in agriculture, plant breeding, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field. Success ...

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Plant Breeding Faculty information

What is a plant breeding faculty?

Plant Breeding Faculty are university or college professors and researchers specializing in the science of improving plant genetics for agriculture, horticulture, and ecosystem management. They conduct research on developing new plant varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, or climate adaptability. In addition to research, they teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor students, and often work collaboratively with industry and government agencies. Their work advances sustainable agriculture by integrating genetics, biotechnology, and traditional breeding methods.

How does a plant breeding faculty member typically balance research, teaching, and extension responsibilities?

Plant Breeding Faculty members often manage a dynamic workload that includes conducting independent and collaborative research, teaching undergraduate or graduate courses, and engaging in extension activities to share knowledge with industry professionals and the public. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks based on departmental goals and academic calendars. Faculty members frequently collaborate with other scientists, students, and stakeholders, making teamwork and effective communication essential. This multifaceted role offers opportunities for professional growth in academia, industry partnerships, and leadership within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant breeding faculty, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Breeding Faculty member, you need advanced knowledge in genetics, plant breeding, and crop science, typically supported by a Ph.D. in plant breeding or a related field. Experience with molecular breeding tools, statistical analysis software, and research grant writing is highly beneficial. Strong communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills set exceptional faculty apart in both teaching and research environments. These skills and qualities are vital for conducting impactful research, securing funding, and effectively educating the next generation of plant scientists.

What is the difference between Plant Breeding Faculty vs Plant Pathologist?

AspectPlant Breeding FacultyPlant Pathologist
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related fieldPh.D. in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and teaching at universities or research institutionsResearch, diagnosis, and management of plant diseases in labs and field settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, government agencies, research centersUniversities, agricultural extension services, research institutes

While both roles require advanced degrees and focus on plant sciences, Plant Breeding Faculty primarily develop new plant varieties through breeding programs, whereas Plant Pathologists focus on diagnosing and managing plant diseases. Both careers are vital in agriculture and often collaborate but differ in their specific expertise and daily tasks.

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Infographic showing various Plant Breeding Faculty job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant/Associate Professor - Forage Breeding/Genetics

University Of Florida

Marianna, FL • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor – Forage Breeding/Genetics

Job No: 539550

Work Type: Tenure-Track Faculty

Location: Jackson

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department: 60770000 - AG-NFREC-QUINCY

This 12‑month tenure‑accruing position is 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 30% Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) at the North Florida Research and Education Center – Marianna, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

Responsibilities include:

  • Developing a forage breeding program to produce and release forage species and cultivars that address biotic and abiotic stresses, seasonal distribution of forage production, biological dinitrogen fixation, seed production, and overall fitness of forage germplasm for Florida and the Southeast U.S. production and livestock systems.
  • Using laboratory and field activities with novel breeding technologies.
  • Actively seeking external funding to support the program.
  • Developing an Extension program to enhance producer adoption of new and existing forage cultivars and best management practices that protect natural resources.
  • Collaborating with stakeholders (e.g., Florida Cattlemen’s Association) and aligning research and Extension programs with industry priorities.
  • Collaborating with the cropping systems/agronomy/integrated crop‑livestock systems program at UF.
  • Participating actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing research results with students.
  • Teaching courses and seminars on a limited basis, as required.

Required Qualifications:

  • Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Plant Breeding or a closely related discipline with emphasis on field‑based crop improvement/plant breeding/cultivar development.
  • Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.
  • Supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system and commitment to UF core values.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in field‑based plant breeding research, securing extramural funding, and mentoring graduate students.
  • Postdoctoral or industry experience in the development or application of novel methods targeting cultivar development.

Application Instructions:

  • Submit a cover letter that states your interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above.
  • Provide contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation.
  • All applications must be submitted online through Careers at UF by June 15, 2026.

Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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About University of Florida

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853