Research Scientist I

Job Responsibilities

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, the Center of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (CPBGG) initiates and implements research aimed at increased productivity, making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for

individuals and their communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and multidisciplinary research in plant breeding, genetics,

genomics, phenomics, and disease resistance genetics under the supervision of the

CPBGG Director.

• Develop competitive research programs integrating field phenotyping, genomics,

genome-wide prediction, and field validation of genomic discoveries to address regional

breeding priorities.

• Design, manage, and analyze complex field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments

across diverse agroecological environments, with strong skills in data handling, data

management, and statistical analysis.

• Establish and manage the CPBGG genetics and genomics laboratory, including

genotyping, sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses.

• Publish research findings, secure external funding, mentor students and staff, and

collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Requirements

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Plant Breeding, Statistical Genetics, or a related field-Required
• Minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience in genome-wide prediction, advanced

breeding, and plant disease resistance genetics.

• Ability to work independently with problem-solving and innovation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple research projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively

across diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work regularly in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments.

Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies.

Experience and commitment towards the field work in plant breeding experiments/ in diverse agroecological conditions and manage complex field experiments.

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for research and professional activities. frequent travel to on-farm and trial locations across the state

Additional Comments

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

A cover letter outlining your research interests and relevant experience.

Curriculum vitae (CV)

Contact information for three professional references.

Relevant publications or writing samples (optional)

Salary Commensurate With Experience.

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01

Do you possess a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, Crop Science, Plant Science, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires regular travel and reliable transportation to conduct field research and attend professional meetings. Are you able to meet these travel requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of experience do you have conducting research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, phenomics, or a related agricultural science discipline?

04

Please describe your experience with genotyping, sequencing technologies, bioinformatics tools, and genomic data analysis.

05

How many peer-reviewed scientific publications have you authored or co-authored in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, crop science, or a related field?

• Required Question