Work Location: H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, Rayne, Louisiana
Position Description: Tenure-track position focused on Medium Grain rice breeding and variety development of commercial rice varieties for the Louisiana and Southern US rice industry and managing a molecular marker lab and molecular breeding activities. This position will have a 100% research appointment and will focus its research efforts on applied breeding and research activities related to improving breeding efficiency. Breeding program activities will include all aspects of the breeding program, including parent selection and population development, line development, trait prioritization, testing and characterization, selection and advancement, and seed purification and increase.
The position will also manage all molecular breeding activities in support of Long, Medium, and specialty grain breeding efforts, as well as genotyping for seed purity and discovery projects. The molecular breeding activities will include managing an established, high-throughput genotyping lab (utilizing KASP/PACE assays) and coordinating all genotyping and sampling jobs for internal and outsourced genotyping activities. Managing the molecular breeding activities will include the upkeep of equipment, developing processes, procedures, and lab protocols, managing staff, evaluating and interpreting genotyping jobs, selections based on breeding priorities, and management of genotyping data and databases.
The incumbent will be expected to develop and continuously optimize the breeding pipeline to balance resources and allocations to maximize breeding efficiency in line with the needs and priorities of the Louisiana rice industry and key stakeholders. These will include the utilization of genomic selection and marker-assisted selection, appropriate experimental designs and analysis, and resource allocations in line with breeding strategies. This position will involve extensive field activities and hands-on contributions to field, greenhouse, and lab operations. The program will utilize an established winter nursery in Puerto Rico.
He/she must effectively communicate across stakeholder groups. The incumbent is expected to have a commitment to mentoring graduate students and serving on department and university committees, as well as participating in field days, hosting visitors, and interacting with stakeholders. The successful faculty member is expected to collaborate with other rice researchers at the Rice Research Station, within the University, and with collaborators at other Universities and from private industry. To be successful, the faculty member must publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and solicit extramural funding from federal and state agencies, commodity research boards, and industry partners. This position will have a 20% appointment in the School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Science (SPESS) at the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, LA.
The LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station (HRCRRS) is located near Crowley, LA, 20 miles west of the city of Lafayette, LA. The primary focus of the HRCRRS is on supporting and helping sustain the Louisiana and US rice industry through research and extension. The HRCRRS is fully equipped and resourced for all aspects of field, greenhouse, and laboratory research.
Qualification Requirements: An earned Ph.D. in Plant Breeding or related discipline and ~five years of professional experience post-graduation. A demonstrated ability to lead an applied variety development program and manage a large-scale genotyping lab. The candidate should have experience in applied rice breeding and be familiar with US rice germplasm and US rice production practices and challenges. A strong background in applied breeding theory, experience with logistical components of a large-scale breeding program, and an understanding of quantitative genetic principles and their applications in plant breeding. Experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting problems in a high-throughput genotyping lab is required as well as a strong level of competency in the statistical programming language R. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a wide range of audiences is required. Candidates who have previous experience in the development and release of commercial varieties is highly desired.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. 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: June 27, 2025 or until a suitable is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. 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:
Adam Famoso
Resident Director & Research Coordinator
Rice Research Station
Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-788-7531
Email: afamoso@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.
