PhD in Blueberry Breeding: The University of Georgia (UGA) is offering a fully funded PhD graduate assistantship in the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics.
Fully Funded PhD in Blueberry Breeding
This position focuses on blueberry breeding, genetics, and genomics, and begins in the spring or fall of 2026.
Scholarship Summary
Host: University of Georgia, Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics
Location: Georgia, USA
Degree: PhD | Research
Department: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Focus Area: Blueberry breeding, genetics, and genomics
Benefits: Fully funded graduate assistantship | Tuition waiver | Living stipend | Health insurance
Annual Stipend: Not specified
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Not specified
Benefits – PhD in Blueberry Breeding
- Fully funded assistantship covering stipend, tuition, and health insurance
- Work within the nation’s third-ranked blueberry breeding program
- Collaborate with specialists across multiple disciplines
- Conduct fieldwork at UGA’s Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton
- Study under Assistant Professor Ye Chu, an expert in plant breeding
- Contribute to developing improved blueberry varieties for future cultivation
Eligibility Criteria – PhD in Blueberry Breeding
- Master’s degree in horticulture or a related field
- Coursework or research experience in horticulture or a similar discipline (prior plant breeding experience not required)
Preferred Knowledge and Skills
- Strong scientific writing skills with peer-reviewed publications
- Experience in quantitative genetics
- Programming ability in R or Python
- Additional bioinformatics skills
Candidate Profile
Positive, motivated, and a collaborative team player
How to Apply – PhD in Blueberry Breeding
1. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter detailing academic and research background
3. Combine all documents into a single file.
4. Email the file to Dr. Ye Chu
5. Wait for a response. Successful applicants will be contacted directly.
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated research ability through peer-reviewed publications.
Program Overview
UGA’s blueberry breeding program is one of the oldest and most successful in the United States. In 2024 alone, it produced over ninety million pounds of blueberries and released more than fifty cultivars in the last eighty years.
The selected student will join an interdisciplinary team of experts in extension, pathology, entomology, post-harvest physiology, and economics.
The position requires enrollment in at least 12 graduate credit hours each fall and spring semester and 9 graduate credit hours in the summer. Fieldwork and coursework will largely take place at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia.
The program provides a competitive funding package that includes research fellowships, teaching assistantships, a stipend, tuition exemption, and health insurance.
About Dr. Ye Chu
Dr. Ye Chu is an Assistant Professor and a key member of UGA’s blueberry breeding team. Her research focuses on plant breeding, genetics, tissue culture, and fruit quality.