The Research Scholar serves as a highly visible leader in the implementation of applied genomics and bioinformatics to support genomics-based selection decisions in breeding programs across the United States. This position plays a critical role in bridging research innovation with applied breeding outcomes by designing and deploying bioinformatics pipelines, coordinating multi-institutional breeding efforts, and enabling the integration of genomics into decision-making processes. The work directly impacts national breeding programs and contributes to improving crop performance, efficiency, and data-driven selection across multiple commodities.
Applied Genomics & Bioinformatics Leadership
- Design, develop, and implement applied genomics strategies to support genomics-based selection decisions in public breeding programs.
- Develop, integrate, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines and analytical tools for efficient and accurate genotyping across varied crop systems.
- Perform large-scale genomic and phenotypic data analyses spanning multiple field programs and breeding populations.
- Evaluate historical and current breeding program practices to establish standardized, scalable data management and analysis protocols.
Breeding Program Coordination & Collaboration
- Coordinate applied genomics efforts across multiple university and USDA-ARS breeding programs, including cotton and peanut.
- Collaborate with breeding teams to develop genomic resources and genotyping platforms aligned with program-specific breeding objectives.
- Serve as a liaison among breeders, researchers, and partner institutions to ensure streamlined collaboration and consistent implementation of genomics tools.
- Manage logistical procedures related to genomics implementation, data flow, and coordination across breeding programs.
Training, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide leadership, guidance, and training to breeders, research staff, and collaborators on applied genomics tools, data interpretation, and best practices.
- Communicate genomics strategies, results, and impacts effectively to growers, breeders, stakeholders, and program leaders.
- Support knowledge transfer and adoption of genomics-based breeding approaches through presentations, workshops, and collaborative discussions.
If you are a strategic scientific leader who thrives at the intersection of genomics, data science, and applied breeding and you are motivated by translating complex research into practical tools that strengthen national breeding programs we encourage you to apply and help drive the future of data-informed crop improvement.
