(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position for one year. Extension of appointment is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory job performance).
Work Location: School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Job Description: The Assistant Professor – Research (APR) will work alongside the sugarcane molecular biologist to conduct research integrating statistical genetics with high-throughput genomics and phenomics data of germplasm resources within the breeding program(s) to identify significant marker-trait associations and develop/utilize analytical models for genomic prediction to improve selection efficiency and enhance the rate of genetic gain in the variety development program. The incumbent will also work with the rice agronomist at the Rice Research Station to develop decision-making tools for efficient nutrient management and enhanced water use efficiency. In addition to computational work, the candidate will work under laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, occasionally outside of normal work hours, to help in routine operations and data collection. The APR is expected to help the PIs in securing extramural grant funds as a co-principal investigator
Qualification Requirements: Ph. D. degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related field with proven experience in quantitative genetics and (computational) genomics. The candidate must have the ability to work with a multitude of sequence-based genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental datasets using Python and/or R. Applicants must be motivated to work independently as well as in a team. Strong writing and communication skills are required to present research results through publications and relevant conference presentations.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: October 4, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching a cover letter describing research statement, detailed recent CV, official university transcripts, and names of three references. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:
Niranjan Baisakh, Ph. D.
Associate Professor
School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
104 Madison B Sturgis Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: 225-578-1300; Fax: 225-578-1403
Email: nbaisakh@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
