POSITION TITLE AND DESCRIPTION: The Department of Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking to recruit an Assistant Professor in the area of plant pathology with a 70% research, 25% extension, and 5% service appointment. This is an academic-year (9-month) tenure-track position located at the Tifton Campus in the heart of Georgia’s $7.0 billion crop industry.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will develop a vigorous, innovative, nationally recognized, and externally funded research program on pathogen biology and disease management in peanut and pecan, two of Georgia’s signature crops. The initial focus in peanut will be on soilborne diseases, primarily those caused by fungal pathogens but including those caused by plant-parasitic nematodes. The faculty member is expected to provide leadership and collaborate with scientists and commodity teams at UGA and USDA-ARS, with cultivar development programs in Georgia, and with industry to develop a productive research program using translational and applied approaches. The extension component of the position will focus on pecan and will include outreach through publications to the producer community, providing research-based information and support to extension agents, participating in agent trainings, and speaking as requested at producer conferences or meetings. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications, active participation in the training and mentoring of graduate students and postdocs, and contributing to the mission of the University of Georgia.
QUALIFICATIONS: The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related area. Postdoctoral experience (at least one year) preferred. Please see the requirements for promotion and tenure in the Unit Criteria for Promotion and Tenure for the Department of Plant Pathology as well as the UGA Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion and Tenure.
POSITION AVAILABLE: 1 August 2025. Applications received by 15 September 2024 are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
SALARY: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Albert Culbreath, Chair of the Search Committee (spotwilt@uga.edu). All application materials must be submitted via the university’s faculty job portal at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/383371. 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 and plans, v) statement of extension philosophy and experience (to be uploaded under “Other Documents”), 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 3,000 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 plant pathology in the U.S., we are recognized internationally for our 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.
Tifton, known as “The Friendly City”, has a population of close to 20,000 residents and is located along I-75 in south-central Georgia. The city is situated in the heart of one of the leading and most dynamic agricultural areas of the Southeast. UGA's Tifton Campus is home to approximately 85 UGA faculty and USDA-ARS scientists plus associated graduate students, postdocs, and support staff conducting innovative and team-based research and extension to improve production agriculture in Georgia, the nation, and the world.
