About this opportunity
Biopractify lists this PhD Position in Plant Breeding & Genetics | Oklahoma State University opportunity in stillwater, Oklahoma. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Institution: Oklahoma State University – Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Ferguson College of Agriculture
Position: PhD Student – Plant Breeding & Genetics
Funding: Fully Funded
Research Area: Plant Breeding | Plant Genetics | Horticultural Crops | Ornamental & Nursery Crops | Crop Improvement | Stress Tolerance | Molecular Breeding | Plant Phenotyping
The Ornamental and Nursery Crop Plant Breeding Program at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to begin in Spring 2027.
The selected student will conduct research focused on the genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops using field phenotyping, germplasm characterization, controlled hybridization, mutagenesis, and molecular approaches.
What You’ll Work On
Conduct research aimed at the genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops, with a focus on developing improved plant characteristics.
Multi-Location Field Phenotyping
Perform multi-location field phenotyping to evaluate plant performance and identify traits with potential breeding value.
Characterize and evaluate plant germplasm to understand genetic and phenotypic variation relevant to crop improvement.
Apply controlled hybridization and breeding approaches to develop and evaluate new plant materials.
Use mutagenesis and molecular techniques to investigate and improve desirable plant traits.
Stress Tolerance & Ornamental Quality
Research traits related to stress tolerance, plant growth habit, and ornamental quality in nursery and ornamental crops.
The PhD research may involve:
Genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops
Plant breeding and genetics
Multi-location field phenotyping
Germplasm characterization
Controlled hybridization
Molecular approaches
Plant stress tolerance
Crop improvement
Ideal Candidate
Applicants should have:
Horticulture
Agronomy
Genetics
Or a closely related discipline
A strong foundation in plant genetics, plant physiology, and experimental design.
Experience in one or more of the following: Plant breeding
Molecular tools
Plant propagation
Tissue culture
Competence in data analysis or programming is preferred, particularly: R
Python
SAS
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to meet the Oklahoma State University Graduate College admission requirements.
Strong motivation to pursue research in plant breeding and genetics.
What You’ll Gain
Opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD at Oklahoma State University.
Research experience in ornamental and nursery crop improvement.
Hands-on exposure to plant breeding and genetic improvement strategies.
Experience with field phenotyping and germplasm characterization.
Training in controlled hybridization, mutagenesis, and molecular approaches.
Opportunity to work on research addressing stress tolerance and ornamental quality.
Development of skills in plant genetics, physiology, experimental design, and data analysis.
Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and research projects.
The research program focuses on the genetic improvement of ornamental and nursery crops through an integrated combination of traditional and modern plant breeding approaches.
Research activities will include multi-location field phenotyping, germplasm characterization, controlled hybridization, mutagenesis, and molecular approaches.
The program particularly targets traits associated with:
Stress tolerance
Crop performance and improvement
The successful PhD student will be expected to:
Conduct research in plant breeding and genetics.
Perform field-based phenotyping across multiple locations.
Characterize and evaluate plant germplasm.
Conduct controlled hybridization and breeding experiments.
Apply molecular and mutagenesis approaches where appropriate.
Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
Apply statistical or computational tools such as R, Python, or SAS.
Communicate research findings through presentations and scientific publications.
Contribute effectively to research activities within the Ornamental and Nursery Crop Plant Breeding Program.
College: Ferguson College of Agriculture
Department: Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture
Program: Ornamental and Nursery Crop Plant Breeding Program
Intake: Spring 2027
Funding: Fully Funded
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
Research Areas: Plant Breeding | Plant Genetics | Horticulture | Agronomy | Plant Biology | Crop Improvement | Ornamental Crops | Nursery Crops
Research Techniques: Multi-Location Field Phenotyping | Germplasm Characterization | Controlled Hybridization | Mutagenesis | Molecular Approaches
Preferred Data Skills: R | Python | SAS
Minimum Degree: M.S. in Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Genetics or closely related field
Application Subject: Spring 2027 Ph.D. Application
Application Documents: CV | Cover Letter | Unofficial Transcripts | Optional Publications/Thesis Chapters/Posters/Writing Samples
Start Term: Spring 2027
Interview: Virtual interview for selected applicants
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Worksite address
stillwater, OK, 74074, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.