Work Location: SPESS, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Position Description: This is a non-tenure track position (100 % research) that will function as part of the Small Grains research group. The primary responsibility of this position is leading and managing the LSU AgCenter oat breeding program with a focus on improved forage and dual-used varieties adapted to the Southeast United States. The position holder will additionally participate in the planting and management of field trials, post-harvest accounting and processing, and greenhouse management for the entire research group. The successful candidate will be primarily based out of LSU A&M campus in Baton Rouge, but must be able to spend time traveling for planting and harvest.

Specific tasks will include:

• Note-taking and selection decisions on early-stage oat germplasm lines, note-taking, analyses, and selection decisions on late-stage oat breeding lines.
• Design and analyses of oat germplasm development nurseries and disease and yield trials.
• Assisting with planting, field management, and harvest of all LSU Small Grains trials and nurseries, including management of undergraduate and graduate student workers when necessary.
• Assisting with coordination of the state small grains variety trials, including note-taking on the state oat test, and analyses and initial report preparation of the oat and wheat tests.

Qualification Requirements: Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in crop science, agronomy, plant breeding, or similar. Candidates must have experience with managing and running field equipment, and some degree of research experience in breeding and genetics. Experience specifically with genetics and breeding of oats and/or other small grains is highly desired.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 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: November 7, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Noah DeWitt
SPESS
LSU AgCenter
104 MB Sturgis Hall
Phone : 352-293-5437
E-mail: [email protected]
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.