Assistant Professor - Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics

Essential Job Duties NC State University is seeking an Assistant Professor to lead a nationally recognized sweetpotato breeding and genetics program with a long history of scientific innovation, variety development, and industry impact. In this role you will provide leadership for applied and fundamental plant breeding research, advancing genomic‑assisted breeding, high‑throughput phenomics including UAV and optical imaging, and the application of data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to accelerate germplasm improvement and the development of the next generation of sweetpotato cultivars. Working alongside faculty, students, growers, and industry partners you will translate discovery into practice, helping address agricultural challenges while supporting food production, environmental stewardship, and economic development in North Carolina and beyond. This position provides opportunities to contribute across the five key areas of responsibility outlined below. Research Leadership Lead research programs in breeding, genetics, and emerging technologies, including genomic‑assisted breeding, genome editing, data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other innovative approaches that accelerate variety and germplasm development. Develop, register, patent, and promote commercially successful tablestock, industrial, and ornamental sweetpotato cultivars with commercial potential, including enhanced adaptability, disease/pest resistance, sustainability, lower input requirements, and end‑use quality, using both conventional and advanced breeding technologies. Oversee germplasm collection, evaluation and screening, genomic and phenomic characterization, and management/maintenance of germplasm resources to advance and support breeding objectives. Collaborate with local, national, and international scientists in plant and sweetpotato breeding and crop improvement. Program Management Secure extramural funding through grants, industry partnerships, and public‑private collaborations. Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientific collaborators, staff, graduate students, and interns. Manage budgets, facilities, and resources to ensure efficient and effective program operations. Teaching and Mentorship Provide graduate and undergraduate training in plant breeding, genetics, and horticultural science, including teaching. Mentor and advise graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and interns to develop future leaders in plant breeding and genetics. Extension and Outreach Collaborate with industry stakeholders to translate research into commercial products and practices. Engage with growers and allied industries with educational programs to facilitate adoption of improved crops and technologies. Present research and contribute to professional meetings. Service in Professional Societies, Industry, and within the University Contribute to the programs and governance of the department, college, and university. Provide service and support for professional societies and other organizations outside the University as appropriate. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Ph.D. in Horticultural Science, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field. Other Required Qualifications Experience with specialty crop improvement and new product development, particularly with asexually propagated polyploid crops. Evidence of scholarly engagement in plant breeding and genetics, such as peer‑reviewed publications, submitted manuscripts, dissertations, conference presentations, or other recognized research outputs. Demonstrated effectiveness in communicating research through peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, teaching, extension activities, or stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to apply data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to maximize and accelerate variety and germplasm development. Preferred Qualifications Contribution to cultivar development and improvement, including participation in variety release, commercialization, patenting, or licensing activities. Knowledge of advanced plant breeding and biotechnology tools, demonstrated through research, training, or application of genomics, gene editing, plant transformation, and/or tissue culture methods. Collaboration with industry partners or participation in applied research and/or technology transfer projects. Mentoring or advising undergraduate and/or graduate students in research or academic settings. Exposure to intellectual property management and/or involvement in variety development and release processes. Required License(s) or Certification(s) A valid driver’s license is required for travel. A NC driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Flexible spending account. Retirement programs. Disability plans. Life insurance. Accident plan. Paid time off and other leave programs. 12 holidays each year. Tuition and academic assistance. Work‑life balance with childcare benefits, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs. Disclaimer: Perks and benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and employer‑sponsored plans can be found within each of the links offered. Equal Opportunity Statement NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr