Three open rank faculty positions Crop Design/Synthetic Biology | University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, The University of Georgia invites applications for three open rank tenure-track faculty positions in Crop Design. This is part of a strategic cluster hire aimed at building world-leading capacity in rational crop redesign for climate resilience, yield, sustainability and profit. All positions will be part of a nascent Institute of Crop Design and departmental homes will be determined by successful candidate’s research foci and include Crop and Soils Science, Plant Pathology and Horticulture. We seek candidates in four broad areas:
1. Cutting-edge AI, machine-learning, and computational modeling in combination with quantitative genetics to enable predictive crop design. Priority areas include:
AI-guided prediction of genome-editing outcomes and genotype-to-phenotype mapping
Design and optimization of synthetic genetic circuits using multi-omics integration
Development of digital-twin or in silico models for crop performance under stress
High-throughput computational frameworks for trait engineering in major crops.
2.Advanced Genome Engineering for Crops. This position will strengthen UGA’s synthetic biology capacity to engineer novel genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and traits in agriculturally important species.
Development of synthetic promoters, biosensors, orthogonal systems, or genetic circuits
Advanced genome-editing technologies (e.g., base/prime editing, multiplex CRISPR, large-scale knockouts)
Protein engineering at scale (g., high-throughput enzyme screening, AI-guided protein design)
Metabolic pathway refactoring and biosynthetic engineering in crops
High-throughput genetic engineering pipelines for trait improvement (yield, nutrient efficiency, stress tolerance, or bio-manufacturing)
3. Integrative Crop Design and Translational Synthetic Biology. We seek an established leader who integrates AI, advanced genome engineering, genetics, and synthetic biology to redesign crops for sustainable, high-performance agriculture. Priority will be given to candidates with:
A track record of large-scale genome design, synthetic chromosome engineering, or systems-level trait stacking
Experience translating fundamental discoveries into applied crop varieties or technologies
Expertise in building interdisciplinary teams that bridge AI, genetics, and genetic engineering
Vision for industry partnerships and real-world deployment of engineered crops
Qualifications
D. with an international reputation in relevant field of study
Demonstrated leadership in quantitative genetic/AI modeling, crop synthetic biology, genome design, or translational genetic engineering
Proven ability to either build or work in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams and translate research into agricultural impact