POSITION TITLE AND DESCRIPTION: The Department of Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at the University of Georgia is recruiting for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor in Molecular Plant Virology with an 80% research, 15% teaching, and 5% service appointment. This is an academic-year, tenure-track appointment located at the Athens Campus.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will develop a vigorous, innovative, internationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program in the area of fundamental plant virology. Specific areas of interest include molecular and/or evolutionary aspects of virus-host interactions that can be approached through a systems biology approach, such as combining biology, biochemistry, or biophysics and computational analysis at the cell, tissue, or organism level; vector-virus-host interactions for understanding how viruses alter plants to attract vectors; understanding the basis of host resistance to viruses and improving host resistance through gene editing to evolve resistance genes. Opportunities abound for collaborations with colleagues in the Department of Plant Pathology, the Plant Center, and the Institute of Bioinformatics. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles, active participation in the mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, and contributing to the mission of the University of Georgia.

Instructional responsibilities will be equivalent to 4 credit-hours per year, commensurate with the department’s needs and the faculty member’s area of specialty.

QUALIFICATIONS: The candidate must have a Ph.D. in plant pathology, virology, one of the plant or microbial sciences, or related discipline. Documented research background appropriate for the appointment rank, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, in the area of fundamental plant virology.

To be considered for the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must have at least 5 full years in rank at the Assistant Professor level. Please see the Department of Plant Pathology Expectations for Promotion and Tenure for appointment expectations as an Associate Professor. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an Associate Professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably regional and/or national reputation to the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire.

POSITION AVAILABLE: 1 August 2024. Applications received by 27 October 2023 are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

SALARY: Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Li Yang, Chair of the Search Committee (li.yang1@uga.edu). Applications by members of underrepresented groups are encouraged. All application materials must be submitted via the university’s faculty job portal at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/323409 Materials to be uploaded include i) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience relative to the responsibilities of the position, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) graduate-level academic transcripts, iv) statement of research interests, v) description of teaching experience and interests, and vi) names and contact information of four professional references. Selected applicants will be required to submit a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

As one of the largest departments of its kind in the U.S., the UGA Department of Plant Pathology is recognized internationally for its comprehensive and integrative research and outreach portfolio, spanning basic, translational and applied programs. Our scientists ensure the economic viability of agriculture, the largest sector of Georgia’s economy, and contribute to national and global food security by reducing crop losses. Equally important, our research increases the understanding of basic biology through new discoveries in pathogen biology, resistance genetics and host-pathogen interactions.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).