Job Description

Ravi Mural looking for an M.S. & a Ph.D. student (Spring 2026) in Quantitative Genetics & Genomics @SDStateCAFES to work on sorghum & maize using UAV phenotyping, G×E, GWAS, and AI-based trait prediction. Interested candidates, please apply here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeedTH-tE5yKkbEVKKxfHatPD1Pd7LlTx0TUeZrRnQ-I2qJmg/viewform

Quantitative Genetics, Genomics and Plant Breeding

The Mural Lab in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science at South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, SD,  is currently seeking highly motivated candidate to fill MS and a PhD position (GRA) on our team in Spring 2026. Our program maintains its central focus on advancing the development and sustainable production of crop plants for commercial purposes, utilizing a range of omics approaches. Currently, our program places its emphasis on quantitative genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, phenomics, and genotype x environment interactions in sorghum, maize and wheat. In the future, we have intentions to expand our research endeavors to investigate the commercial potential of other cereals, legumes, and millet crops. Our laboratory is committed to establishing a vibrant research environment and providing extensive training opportunities for students.

Qualifications for a successful applicant include:

• For M.S. applicants: A bachelor’s degree in Plant science, Agronomy, Agriculture, or a closely related field.
• For Ph.D. applicants: Both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Plant science, Agronomy, Plant  Breeding, or a related discipline.
• Meeting the admission requirements for SDSU’s Ph.D. program  (please refer to  https://www.sdstate.edu/graduate-school/admission-requirements).
• Demonstrating excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Having experience with R and/or Python programming is preferred.
• Possessing familiarity with various Quantitative genetics, High-throughput phenotyping, predictive modelling, and breeding techniques.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in laboratory and field settings.
• Having experience in designing and conducting greenhouse and field experiments.