Blueberry Breeding & Genetics Research Associate

University of Georgia; Tifton, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for the Horticulture Research Associate (Chu) to support the blueberry breeding program across multiple sites, including UGA farms in Alapaha, Alma, and Tifton. The role involves coordinating and executing breeding and genetics research, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

The candidate will supervise student workers, maintain lab safety, manage inventories, and help develop grant proposals to sustain the program’s objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of blueberry breeding, tissue culture, hybridization, molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and scientific manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage breeding and genetics research projects across multiple field, greenhouse, and laboratory locations.
• Conduct tissue culture, artificial hybridization, softwood propagation, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library construction, and marker-assisted selection.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support breeding program goals; draft scientific manuscripts and grant proposals.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science

2 years professional experience

Job description

The University of Georgia invites applications for the Horticulture Research Associate (Chu) to support the blueberry breeding program across multiple sites, including UGA farms in Alapaha, Alma, and Tifton. The role involves coordinating and executing breeding and genetics research, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

The candidate will supervise student workers, maintain lab safety, manage inventories, and help develop grant proposals to sustain the program’s objectives.