Assistant Breeder
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
Posting Details
Number: S14658P
Title: Assistant Breeder
Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences
Location: Griffin Area, Georgia
Posting Date: 02/03/2026
Closing Date: Provisional
Proposed Start Date: 03/01/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer
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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
Position Summary
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia seeks a motivated and highly skilled Assistant Breeder to support the Turfgrass Breeding Program on the Griffin Campus. The program focuses on the development of improved seed‑propagated turfgrass cultivars, including bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue, for use in lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and recreational areas. The Assistant Breeder will serve as a lead research associate, overseeing daily operations across the field, greenhouse, and laboratory. This individual will supervise staff and student workers; manage data collection, organization, and analysis; maintain detailed breeding records; operate and maintain research equipment; and contribute to manuscripts, extension activities, and program reporting. Acting as an extension of the faculty breeder, the Assistant Breeder will implement breeding and selection decisions, maintain continuity of the breeding pipeline, and advance superior lines toward release. This position is central to the success of the turfgrass breeding program and provides outstanding opportunities for applied plant breeding, genetics, field research operations, and cultivar development.
Qualifications
Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.
Preferred:
Experience in turfgrass science, turf management, plant breeding, or applied agricultural research, along with familiarity in stakeholder engagement and professional communication.
Experience operating and maintaining research equipment, including turfgrass machinery and seed‑processing tools.
Experience supervising student workers or field crews.
Strong knowledge of turfgrass agronomy and research field management.
Possession of or willingness to obtain a Category 24 Georgia Pesticide Applicator License (Ornamental and Turf).
Interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder.
Responsibilities
Program Management
Manage day‑to‑day operations of the turfgrass breeding program by overseeing greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; coordinating seasonal and student workers; and ensuring that planting, plot maintenance, sample collection, and greenhouse tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
Plan and organize breeding nurseries, progeny tests, and advanced line trials, as well as maintain smooth communication among personnel and ensure that all activities align with breeding timelines and research priorities.
Research Execution and Data Management
Coordinate, implement, and execute breeding and applied research protocols across multiple turfgrass species; collect, organize, and analyze research and breeding data; maintain germplasm inventories and seed storage systems; manage detailed breeding records; and assist in data interpretation, statistical analysis, and reporting.
Work closely with the faculty breeder to implement breeding and selection decisions that advance superior lines through the pipeline.
Technical and Mechanical Support
Operate, calibrate, and maintain research equipment used in greenhouse, field, and seed‑processing workflows, including tractors, mowers, sprayers, harvesters, and seed‑cleaning equipment; oversee maintenance, repair, or modification of tools and infrastructure required to support research operations.
Ensure all research environments remain functional, prepared, and safe for seasonal and year‑round activities.
Collaboration, Outreach, and Academic Support
Collaborate with graduate students, faculty, and collaborators on ongoing research projects; assist in mentoring student workers and interns; and participate in extension and outreach events such as field days, conferences, and educational demonstrations.
Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant‑related activities.
Other Duties As Assigned
Additional responsibilities may be assigned to support the overall mission and operational needs of the turfgrass breeding program.
Physical Demands
Working outdoors in field conditions and greenhouse environments with heat and humidity.
Standing for extended periods.
Driving as needed to perform job duties.
Lifting up to 50 pounds.
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Number: S14658P
Title: Assistant Breeder
Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences
Location: Griffin Area, Georgia
Posting Date: 02/03/2026
Closing Date: Provisional
Proposed Start Date: 03/01/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer
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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
Position Summary
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia seeks a motivated and highly skilled Assistant Breeder to support the Turfgrass Breeding Program on the Griffin Campus. The program focuses on the development of improved seed‑propagated turfgrass cultivars, including bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue, for use in lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and recreational areas. The Assistant Breeder will serve as a lead research associate, overseeing daily operations across the field, greenhouse, and laboratory. This individual will supervise staff and student workers; manage data collection, organization, and analysis; maintain detailed breeding records; operate and maintain research equipment; and contribute to manuscripts, extension activities, and program reporting. Acting as an extension of the faculty breeder, the Assistant Breeder will implement breeding and selection decisions, maintain continuity of the breeding pipeline, and advance superior lines toward release. This position is central to the success of the turfgrass breeding program and provides outstanding opportunities for applied plant breeding, genetics, field research operations, and cultivar development.
Qualifications
Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.
Preferred:
Experience in turfgrass science, turf management, plant breeding, or applied agricultural research, along with familiarity in stakeholder engagement and professional communication.
Experience operating and maintaining research equipment, including turfgrass machinery and seed‑processing tools.
Experience supervising student workers or field crews.
Strong knowledge of turfgrass agronomy and research field management.
Possession of or willingness to obtain a Category 24 Georgia Pesticide Applicator License (Ornamental and Turf).
Interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder.
Responsibilities
Program Management
Manage day‑to‑day operations of the turfgrass breeding program by overseeing greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; coordinating seasonal and student workers; and ensuring that planting, plot maintenance, sample collection, and greenhouse tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
Plan and organize breeding nurseries, progeny tests, and advanced line trials, as well as maintain smooth communication among personnel and ensure that all activities align with breeding timelines and research priorities.
Research Execution and Data Management
Coordinate, implement, and execute breeding and applied research protocols across multiple turfgrass species; collect, organize, and analyze research and breeding data; maintain germplasm inventories and seed storage systems; manage detailed breeding records; and assist in data interpretation, statistical analysis, and reporting.
Work closely with the faculty breeder to implement breeding and selection decisions that advance superior lines through the pipeline.
Technical and Mechanical Support
Operate, calibrate, and maintain research equipment used in greenhouse, field, and seed‑processing workflows, including tractors, mowers, sprayers, harvesters, and seed‑cleaning equipment; oversee maintenance, repair, or modification of tools and infrastructure required to support research operations.
Ensure all research environments remain functional, prepared, and safe for seasonal and year‑round activities.
Collaboration, Outreach, and Academic Support
Collaborate with graduate students, faculty, and collaborators on ongoing research projects; assist in mentoring student workers and interns; and participate in extension and outreach events such as field days, conferences, and educational demonstrations.
Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant‑related activities.
Other Duties As Assigned
Additional responsibilities may be assigned to support the overall mission and operational needs of the turfgrass breeding program.
Physical Demands
Working outdoors in field conditions and greenhouse environments with heat and humidity.
Standing for extended periods.
Driving as needed to perform job duties.
Lifting up to 50 pounds.
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