Work Location: Position will be based at the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, near Crowley, Louisiana.
Position Description: The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and optimizing comprehensive plant disease screening protocols to support the applied rice breeding program at the LSU AgCenter. The position will focus on designing, validating, and improving both existing and new methodologies for immediate use in breeding, from early- and late-stage selection to commercial variety characterization.
Additional responsibilities include optimizing protocols for validating and monitoring trait markers associated with disease resistance loci prioritized for marker-assisted selection; evaluating trade-offs among scale, accuracy, resource allocation, and cost-efficiency in screening methodologies; leveraging existing trials and infrastructure to maximize breeding program efficiency; and collaborating closely with the Plant Pathology program to strengthen integration between breeding and pathology research. This role will require extensive field evaluations during the summer, travel to off-station test sites, and management of a winter nursery in Puerto Rico. The candidate will serve as a critical link between breeding and pathology efforts and must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, organizational ability, and the capacity to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
Qualification Requirements: Completed Ph.D. in Plant Breeding or Plant Pathology and a minimum of three years' experience working with rice and U.S. rice diseases. Must have demonstrated expertise in field and controlled-environment disease screening and a strong understanding of the structure and organization of plant breeding programs. Proficiency in statistical analysis, with a solid foundation in the R programming language.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with NIH/NSF guidelines. 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 interview process.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025, or until an acceptable applicant is found.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with resume, official university transcripts, and three names and contact information of three references. (Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted.) For questions on this position, contact:
Dr. Adam Famoso
H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station
1373 Caffey Road, Rayne, LA 70578
Email: afamoso@agcenter.lsu.edu
Phone: 337/788-7531
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.
