New

Research Scholar: Integrated Genomics and Applied Bioinformatics to Support Plant Breeding Programs

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with experience ($94,000 - $96,000)

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Feb 19, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194474EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Scholar: Integrated Genomics and Applied Bioinformatics to Support Plant Breeding Programs
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with experience ($94,000 - $96,000)
Work Schedule	Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Crop and Soil Sciences
About the Department	The Department of Crop & Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University supports cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research programs that advance crop improvement, agricultural sustainability, and applied science across North Carolina and the United States. The department collaborates with university partners, USDA- ARS programs, and external stakeholders to translate scientific innovation into practical solutions that support breeders, growers, and agricultural industries across diverse commodity systems.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The Research Scholar serves as a highly visible leader in the implementation of applied genomics and bioinformatics to support genomics-based selection decisions in breeding programs across the United States. This position plays a critical role in bridging research innovation with applied breeding outcomes by designing and deploying bioinformatics pipelines, coordinating multi-institutional breeding efforts, and enabling the integration of genomics into decision-making processes. The work directly impacts national breeding programs and contributes to improving crop performance, efficiency, and data-driven selection across multiple commodities. Applied Genomics & Bioinformatics Leadership Design, develop, and implement applied genomics strategies to support genomics-based selection decisions in public breeding programs. Develop, integrate, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines and analytical tools for efficient and accurate genotyping across diverse crop systems. Perform large-scale genomic and phenotypic data analyses spanning multiple field programs and breeding populations. Evaluate historical and current breeding program practices to establish standardized, scalable data management and analysis protocols. Breeding Program Coordination & Collaboration Coordinate applied genomics efforts across multiple university and USDA-ARS breeding programs, including cotton and peanut. Collaborate with breeding teams to develop genomic resources and genotyping platforms aligned with program-specific breeding objectives. Serve as a liaison among breeders, researchers, and partner institutions to ensure streamlined collaboration and consistent implementation of genomics tools. Manage logistical procedures related to genomics implementation, data flow, and coordination across breeding programs. Training, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Provide leadership, guidance, and training to breeders, research staff, and collaborators on applied genomics tools, data interpretation, and best practices. Communicate genomics strategies, results, and impacts effectively to growers, breeders, stakeholders, and program leaders. Support knowledge transfer and adoption of genomics-based breeding approaches through presentations, workshops, and collaborative discussions. If you are a strategic scientific leader who thrives at the intersection of genomics, data science, and applied breeding and you are motivated by translating complex research into practical tools that strengthen national breeding programs we encourage you to apply and help drive the future of data-informed crop improvement.
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Ph.D. genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology or relevant terminal degree), or relevant Master's degree with at least 2 years of formal post-degree professional work experience, or in rare instances, an individual with a comparable professional experience but less than a master's degree, plus 8 years of exceptional relevant professional experience, will be considered. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications	Strong knowledge of informatics tools such as Linux, linkage mapping software, Python, R-statistical analysis software, and SQL or other databases. Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and interdisciplinary group collaboration skills with scientists from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, including good interpersonal and clear English communication skills, both orally and in writing of reports and publications, effective work habits, and the ability to work as part of a team and in a self-directed manner. Experience with the BreedBase database structure and experience with using it in an applied breeding program.
Preferred Qualifications	Strong knowledge of operations in breeding programs with at least 1 year post-PhD experience in an applied informatics program, proficiency in high-throughput bioinformatics analyses integrating phenotypic and genomic data, and demonstrated associated publications. Experience in applied genomics in cotton and/or peanut.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	02/18/2026
Anticipated Close Date	3/4/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111869
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.