Assistant Breeder
Inside Higher Ed, Athens, GA, United States
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, 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 to gain experience in applied plant breeding, genetics, field research operations, and cultivar development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in turfgrass science, turf management, plant breeding, or applied agricultural research, along with familiarity in stakeholder engagement and professional communication. The ability to operate and maintain research equipment, including turfgrass machinery and seed‑processing tools, is highly desirable, as is experience supervising student workers or field crews. Strong knowledge of turfgrass agronomy and research field management is beneficial, and possession of a Category 24 Georgia Pesticide Applicator License (Ornamental and Turf) or willingness to obtain one is preferred. Interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder is also encouraged.
Responsibilities
Manage day‑to‑day operations of the turfgrass breeding program by overseeing greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; coordinate seasonal and student workers; and ensure 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, maintaining smooth communication among personnel and ensuring all activities align with breeding timelines and research priorities.
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.
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; and ensure research environments remain functional, prepared, and safe.
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.
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 in greenhouse environments with heat and humidity.
Standing for extended periods.
Driving as needed to perform job duties.
Lifting up to 50 pounds.
Contact Details
Recruitment Contact: Phillip Vines | Email: phillip.vines@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 to gain experience in applied plant breeding, genetics, field research operations, and cultivar development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in turfgrass science, turf management, plant breeding, or applied agricultural research, along with familiarity in stakeholder engagement and professional communication. The ability to operate and maintain research equipment, including turfgrass machinery and seed‑processing tools, is highly desirable, as is experience supervising student workers or field crews. Strong knowledge of turfgrass agronomy and research field management is beneficial, and possession of a Category 24 Georgia Pesticide Applicator License (Ornamental and Turf) or willingness to obtain one is preferred. Interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder is also encouraged.
Responsibilities
Manage day‑to‑day operations of the turfgrass breeding program by overseeing greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; coordinate seasonal and student workers; and ensure 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, maintaining smooth communication among personnel and ensuring all activities align with breeding timelines and research priorities.
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.
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; and ensure research environments remain functional, prepared, and safe.
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.
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 in greenhouse environments with heat and humidity.
Standing for extended periods.
Driving as needed to perform job duties.
Lifting up to 50 pounds.
Contact Details
Recruitment Contact: Phillip Vines | Email: phillip.vines@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr