Senior Research Scientist

The K-State Sorghum Trait Discovery program is involved in identifying the genetic basis of traits of significance for growers in Kansas and beyond. The Senior Scientist will be responsible for generating mapping populations, conducting genotyping...

  • 521390
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Agronomy
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Apr 13 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The K-State Sorghum Trait Discovery program is involved in identifying the genetic basis of traits of significance for growers in Kansas and beyond. The Senior Scientist will be responsible for generating mapping populations, conducting genotyping and phenotyping analyses, map the trait genetic architecture, and develop molecular markers to support breeding decisions by the K-State sorghum molecular breeding program. This position will be responsible for identifying research gaps, developing hypotheses and predictions, and designing experiments to rapidly test hypotheses. This role will also be responsible for coordinating field research activities with the K-State sorghum molecular breeding program, and germplasm maintenance and sharing with research collaborators.

About Us

The Department of Agronomy, together with the Research and Extension Centers, provides statewide leadership for teaching, research, and extension activities in plant breeding, crop production, range science, soil science, and weed sciences, and contributes substantially to activities in genetics, water science, and environmental sciences.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a master's degree and three years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, or related field.
  • Marker design and sorghum molecular breeding experience
  • Experience with sorghum field research

Additional Role Information:

  • In-state and international travel is required

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • A cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
  • A current curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Contact information for three professional references.

Application Window

Applications close on: April 13, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$60,000 - 70,000

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.