Blueberry Breeding & Genetics Research Associate

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia seeks a Horticulture Research Associate to support the blueberry breeding program across field and laboratory locations, including Alapaha, Alma, and the UGA Tifton campus.

The role designs and manages breeding and genetics research, conducts tissue culture and molecular work, analyzes data, and contributes to manuscripts and grant proposals. Supervision of student staff and adherence to safety standards are essential.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage breeding and genetics research projects involving field, greenhouse, and laboratory-based experiments.
• Conduct tissue culture, artificial hybridization, softwood cutting propagation, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library construction, and marker-assisted selection.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using phenotypic, molecular, and image-based techniques to support breeding program goals.
• Draft and contribute to scientific manuscripts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications related to blueberry breeding and genetics research.
• Coordinate and monitor blueberry breeding research activities across grower trial sites, UGA research farms, and the UGA Tifton campus to ensure timely project completion.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field of science

Job description

University of Georgia seeks a Horticulture Research Associate to support the blueberry breeding program across field and laboratory locations, including Alapaha, Alma, and the UGA Tifton campus.

The role designs and manages breeding and genetics research, conducts tissue culture and molecular work, analyzes data, and contributes to manuscripts and grant proposals. Supervision of student staff and adherence to safety standards are essential.