2027 IANRE PHD Student in Plant Breeding & Genetics

The Graduate Research Assistant will support research in plant breeding and genetics through field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities. The position will assist with experimental design, plant evaluation, data collection and analysis, and the development of improved plant varieties while gaining hands-on experience in modern breeding and genetic research methods.

To thrive in this role, you should be curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn while working independently and collaboratively. Success in this position requires strong organizational and analytical skills, a willingness to work in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings, and the ability to accurately collect, manage, and interpret research data. A commitment to scientific integrity, careful experimental practices, and effective communication will help you contribute meaningfully to plant breeding and genetics research.

Minimum Qualifications/Required Qualifications:
M.S. degree in Plant Science, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field
Strong foundation in plant genetics and experimental design
Experience with field, greenhouse, laboratory, or molecular research
Strong written and oral communication skills in English
Ability to meet the admission requirements of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate School

Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in plant breeding or crop improvement
Experience with molecular markers, genomic data, GWAS, or quantitative genetics
Experience with statistical analysis using R and/or Python
Experience with field phenotyping, breeding populations, or multi-environment trials

Applicant Instructions:

Please submit the following items as part of your application package:

CV (limit three pages)

Cover letter (limit three pages)

Unofficial academic transcripts

Up to three publications, thesis chapters, posters, or writing samples (optional)

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a part-time (in the academic year), exempt student position. New hires will be placed on the appropriate salary grid for PhD students based on the current fiscal year.

This is a pooled position, and applications are reviewed as needed. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office at kjmetivier@alaska.edu 

This position is represented by the Alaska Graduate Workers Association (AGWA/UAW). https://www.alaska.edu/hr/labor/labor-relations/index.php.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.