Postdoctoral Fellow-Molecular Geneticist

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Closing Date:

09/26/2025

Type of Position:

Research

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

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Department:

FDSC | Rice Processing Research

Department's Website:

https://food-science.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties:

A Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate position is available immediately in the Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture in Fayetteville. This position is in collaboration with the USDA Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The primary research location will be in Stuttgart at the USDA Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, with occasional activities in Fayetteville.
Position Focus
The research aims to enhance head rice yield through genetics and genomics.
Key Responsibilities
• Investigate the role of fissure resistance and chalkiness in determining head rice yield.
• Identify genes governing chalkiness and seed size to facilitate yield improvement.
• Develop user-friendly methods for breeders to enhance head rice yield.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with experts in genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics as part of a multidisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently and collaboratively, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, secure research funding, and present findings at conferences.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics, Plant Genetics and Breeding, Agronomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related fields in Biological Sciences.
• Proficiency in standard breeding, genetics, molecular, biochemical, and molecular genetics techniques, as well as factorial field plot experiments.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mapping, cloning, genomic prediction, systems biology, and structural/functional analysis of crop genes.
• Strong background in molecular biology with a record of peer-reviewed publications.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Griffiths Atungulu, Professor, atungulu@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

No Background Check Required

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Feeling, Grasping, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Standing, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Hearing, Kneeling, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes