Perennial Sunflower Researcher

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest and beyond. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Sciences, Plant and Microbial Biology, and other graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs and the Applied Plant Sciences graduate program.

Job Duties

• Duties related to the development, study, and breeding of perennial sunflower.
• Lead and/or assist with planting and harvesting material in the field and greenhouse.
• Lead and/or assist with phenotypic evaluation of breeding populations and progeny; relevant phenotypes include plant fertility, seed set, perenniality, winter hardiness, and other traits important to the sunflower industry.
• Record keeping of pedigrees and phenotypes of the breeding populations.
• Communicating and coordinating with team members and collaborative research groups. Assisting with the preparation of progress reports.
• Supervising and training staff on the seasonal duties related to running the perennial sunflower breeding program.

Required Qualifications

• Substantial research and publication record.
• Experience with field work and plant breeding.
• Familiarity with pedigree structure and plant phenotypic evaluation.
• Able to lift more than 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree

Pay Range: $38.36 -$39.42 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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