The Sugarcane Breeding and Quantitative Genetics Lab is looking to add a new team member. This is a grant-funded assistantship starting on August 1, 2026.
Description: Responsibilities will include engaging in relevant research to improve sugarcane breeding methods for the Louisiana Sugarcane Variety Development Program. Research topics can be in the areas of phenotypic analysis of breeding trials, genotype-by-environment analysis, predictive breeding approaches, high-throughput phenotyping, genomic integration, and general pipeline optimization projects. Thesis project objectives will be outlined according to the timeline of the projects and the skillset of the candidate. Specific duties will include, but are not limited to, planting, harvesting, processing harvested samples in the sugarcane laboratory, data collection and entry, data analysis and reporting, and operation of laboratory and/or field equipment and instrumentation as appropriate.
Qualifications: The position requires a B.S. degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, plant science, applied statistics, data science, biology, or a closely related field. Background and understanding of statistical principles, relevant software experience, and/or experience with precision ag/GIS/unmanned aerial vehicle technologies are preferred. Farming and/or field crop experience in sugarcane is desirable.
Application Process: The research assistantship is dependent on successful admission of the candidate into the LSU Graduate School in the College of Agriculture, School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences Master of Science Program. Email a cover letter, CV, and a list of at least (3) references to bablanchard@agcenter.lsu.edu. Deadline is 6/30/2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
