University of Georgia

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Ferrarezi Lab

Positions

Ph.D. assistantship

We are hiring!

PhD Opportunity in the CEA Crop Physiology & Production Laboratory
Join a transformative citrus nursery project at the Ferrarezi Lab at the University of Georgia’s Department of Horticulture!

Project Title:
“Optimizing and Accelerating Citrus Nursery Production in Georgia: A Comprehensive Study on Propagation Methods, Supplemental LED Lighting, and Irrigation Systems”

Sponsor:
USDA/AMS Georgia Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated, curious, reliable, detail-oriented, and organized PhD student to work on an innovative project to advance citrus nursery production in Georgia. You will explore the effects of different propagation methods, optimize LED lighting strategies, and develop efficient irrigation systems, all while interacting with professionals in South Georgia and potentially spending 6-12 months in Italy as part of the project.

Requirements:

  • Solid Academic Background.
  • Research Experience in Propagation Methods, LED Lighting, and Irrigation Systems.
  • Strong knowledge of experimental design and data analysis
  • Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications (5 or more)
  • Enjoy interacting with nursery professionals in South Georgia
  • Willingness to prepare online educational training for the lab’s social media channels
  • Interest in spending 6-12 months in Italy as part of the project
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with many professional development opportunities
  • Must have a U.S. driver’s license
  • Strong Analytical, Self-Motivation, Discipline, Networking, and Problem-Solving Skills
  • Excellent Written and Spoken Communication Skills
  • Critical soft skills: Creativity, Innovation, Persistence, Resilience, Adaptability, Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Strong Ethical Foundation

We Offer:

  • A 12-month Graduate Assistantship for 4 years with a full tuition waiver.
  • The position requires 18 credit hours in Fall/Spring and 12 in Summer and includes teaching duties.
  • More info: https://hort.caes.uga.edu/graduate.html

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in plant physiology, agronomy, horticulture, ag engineering, or related fields.
  • Experience with controlled environment agriculture and lighting systems is advantageous.

Overall graduate degree program overview (4-year commitment):

Project initial discussion, Advisory committee members should be invited and inserted in the Graduate School system (within 12 first months), Literature review, Proposal writing, Proposal submission (within 12 first months), 1st committee meeting (4-6 months after the program began), 1st experiment, writing on 1st chapter, 2nd experiment, writing of 2nd chapter, 3rd experiment, writing of 3rd chapter, comprehensive exam (end of 3rd year),4th experiment, writing of 4th chapter, multiple regional and national conference presentations (at least one per year starting on year 2), numerous committee meetings (at least one per semester), dissertation writing, exit seminar, defense, dissertation revisions, manuscript formatting for submission, submission of all chapters, graduation!

Location:
University of Georgia, Department of Horticulture, Athens, GA

Start date:
Fall ‘25How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their CV with their educational and employment experiences and a proven track record of research (publications, grants and awards if applicable), extension (outreach publications, field days, agent trainings, grower talks), teaching (TA experience, student advisement), and service (participation in professional societies, student organizations, manuscript review, event organization) experience, a cover letter outlining their research interests and experience focusing on strengths and weaknesses, and two references to ferrarezi@uga.edu.

M.S. assistantship

Currently, we do not have any open positions.

Volunteers and Visiting scholars

We are always open to discussing research and teaching opportunities at our vibrant lab. Please contact Dr. Rhuanito Ferrarezi at ferrarezi@uga.edu or visit our LinkedIn page Ferrarezi Lab of CEA at UGA https://www.linkedin.com/company/ferrarezilab.