Post Doctoral Research Assoc Quantitative Genetics & Plant Breeding

Lubbock

42901BR

Plant and Soil Science

Position Description

Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX). This position focuses on dissecting the relative contributions of genotype, environment, and genotype x environment (G x E) interactions to variations in cottonseed oil content and composition. The overarching goal of the project is to accurately estimate genotypic values to support the development of cotton cultivars with enhanced oil qualities.
The successful candidate will lead a multi-year, multi-location study to quantify the effects of genotype, environment, and GOE interactions on cottonseed oil traits using advanced statistical and multivariate analytical approaches.
This is an 18-month position with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2026.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

Davis College includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 100 tenure-track faculty, 2747 undergraduate and 519 graduate students, numerous other staff employees, and generated approximately $16 million in extramural research funding.
The Department:
The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.

Major/Essential Functions

• Design and execute field trials across two locations (Texas and North Carolina) under two irrigation regimes (normal and deficit).
• Collect and analyze data on oil content, fatty acid composition, and fiber traits from recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and a diverse set of landraces.
• Perform statistical modeling to dissect GOE interactions and interpret phenotypic outcomes.
• Apply advanced statistical and bioinformatics tools to integrate phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental data.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and analytical chemists to translate findings into cultivar development strategies.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for academic and stakeholder audiences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the principal investigator.

Required Qualifications

PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in quantitative genetics, particularly in the context of breeding for quality traits such as oil composition, fiber strength, or nutritional value.
• Demonstrated experience applying statistical tools for GOE interaction analysis
• Proven proficiency with bioinformatics tools for genomic data integration(e.g., metaGE, TASSEL, rrBLUP, PLINK)
• Advanced data analysis skills using R with the ability to build reproducible pipelines for large-scale multi-environment trial datasets.
• Experience integrating phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental metadata to estimate genotypic values and support cultivar development.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating application of the above tools in GOE or genomic prediction research.
• Willingness and ability to travel for fieldwork in Texas and North Carolina, including during planting and harvest seasons, and to work in outdoor agricultural environments under variable conditions.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is an 18-month position with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2026. Applicants must apply through the Texas Tech University job portal. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Rosalyn A. Shim at rosalyn.shim@ttu.edu using "Quantitative Genetics and Plant Breeding" in the subject line.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Research Statement, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Job Family

Research

Job Sub Family

Researchers & Scientists

Annualized Pay Range

$44,500 - $57,900 - $71,200

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

Yes

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.