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Research Associate Life Science-Horticulture

The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States


Position Details
Posting Number: S15022P
Working Title: Research Associate (Life Science-Horticulture Department, CAES-Horticulture)
Location: Tifton, Georgia
Employment Type: Full‑time, Exempt, FTE 1.00
Salary: Commensurate with experience (advertised)
Start Date: 05/04/2026 | Closing Date: 04/21/2026 (Open until filled)

EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons who need accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR at

hrweb@uga.edu .

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.

Position Summary
The Research Associate will be a creative, motivated, and skilled scientist who participates in peanut genetics and breeding projects with an emphasis on reducing aflatoxin contamination. Responsibilities include planning, conducting, reporting, and publishing research in plant molecular genetics and biotechnology. The scientist will manage research projects assigned by the principal investigator, supervise project personnel, and make daily decisions regarding experimental design and execution while adhering to safety procedures related to aflatoxin hazards. Proposal applications will be developed collaboratively and may be submitted independently.

This is a soft‑funded position; continued employment is based on project needs, available funding, and satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities

Design scientifically sound experiments that advance peanut genetics and breeding objectives, selecting appropriate molecular, genomic, and phenotyping methods to address research goals related to aflatoxin reduction.

Coordinate and manage all experimental activities across laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, including scheduling, organizing personnel, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring full compliance with aflatoxin safety procedures.

Conduct experiments and troubleshoot protocols involving population development, phenotyping, gene expression analysis, genome sequencing, genetic mapping, molecular marker screening, and construct development for transformation.

Analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings through data analysis, written reports, presentations, and contributions to peer‑reviewed publications, ensuring accuracy and integrity.

Prepare clear and comprehensive project reports that document research progress, experimental outcomes, and recommendations for next steps.

Develop and contribute to grant proposals and research manuscripts, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with project goals.

Present research findings at project, commodity, and stakeholder meetings; share outcomes at national and international scientific conferences.

Train technicians and students in laboratory, greenhouse, and field techniques, ensuring they understand research protocols and aflatoxin safety procedures.

Provide day‑to‑day supervision and guidance, overseeing task assignments, workflow, and adherence to quality and safety standards.

Mentor developing researchers, supporting technical skill growth, troubleshooting, and professional development within the project.

Perform miscellaneous laboratory tasks and other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Lift at least 30 lbs.

Tolerate field work during summer.

Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Contact Information
Recruitment Contact: Peggy Ozias‑Akins
Email:

pozias@uga.edu

Required Documents

Resume/CV

Cover Letter

List of References with Contact Information

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