Agricultural/Food Scientist II

• Study and evaluate peanut seed for important oil chemistry characteristics and physical properties using the QSorter and SeedMeister machines or other instruments. Statistically analyze all peanut breeding data. Provide results to faculty and make recommendations for selections. Provide reports of results in EXCEL or WORD tables. Supports the breeding program in data analysis using statistical software such as SAS and preparation of manuscripts for publication Troubleshoot machine operation, ensure needed software is up to date, and make recommendations for new software. Oversee machine general maintenance and cleaning. Responsible for maintaining safe lab practices and maintain all laboratory equipment including lab refrigerator and germination chamber. Function as lab safety officer and ensure that staff are well trained to adhere to safety requirements. Teaches incoming team members how to properly use equipment. 
• Modify experiments/protocols based on the specific software used. Manages GENOVIX updates and ensure that it is properly operating on all needed computers. Ensure that GENOVIX is well organized each season following standard operating procedures. Oversees processes for maintaining current and accurate records and data for the peanut breeding program using EXCEL, AGROBASE II, and other software as needed. Develops standard operating procedures for each program. Lead the effort to keep data organized by managing print tags and lists needed for sample harvest and storage.
• Participates in all areas of the peanut breeding program as needed such as planting, harvesting and greenhouse operations. Serve as the primary person to plant plots across all test locations. Maintain the scales and computers needed to collect harvest data. Install and maintain all needed software and hardware for the harvest processes. Aids in coordination of travel to and from off-site locations including equipment and supply lists and transportation of personnel.
• Collaborates with J-1 scholars and graduate students by providing training on data collection, data analysis, and reporting of results. Ensure that personnel understand their duties, their performance measures, and equipment/personnel to carry out job duties effectively.
• Lead the program efforts in marker assisted breeding and backcrossing. Acts as the primary liaison with external providers of DNA testing and databasing and reporting of results. Conducts sample accessions for tissue needed for DNA extraction.

Doctoral degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field; or a master’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, or a closely related field and three years of relevant experience.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position.