PhD Opportunity in Quinoa Genomics and Crop Improvement at University of Maryland Eastern Shore University of Maryland Eastern Shore in United States

PhD opportunity in quinoa genomics at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences. The project is centered on plant genomics, crop improvement, and bioinformatics, with research activities spanning genotype screening through field experiments, greenhouse trait evaluation, sequencing data analysis, pangenome analysis, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), RNA-seq analysis, and integration of genomics for crop improvement.

The position is hosted by Purushothaman Natarajan, Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics and Statistics at UMES. His research profile and publication record indicate strong expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, and computational biology, making this a good fit for students interested in plant science, genetics, genomics, and data-driven crop research.

Funding: the position is fully funded and includes access to genomics and bioinformatics resources, plus opportunities for publications and professional development.

Eligibility: applicants should hold a master’s degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a related field. Prior experience in fieldwork and greenhouse experiments is preferred, and familiarity with sequencing data analysis, pangenomics, GWAS, or RNA-seq is an advantage. Strong data analysis and manuscript writing skills are expected, along with the ability to work independently and in a team.

Application window: Fall 2026 start; deadline is May 15, 2026.

How to apply: email the requested documents to [email protected] with the subject line “PhD Application – Quinoa Genomics.” Submit a CV/resume, statement of research interest, and unofficial transcripts.