Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician in Athens to support drought- and disease-adaptation studies in southern pine species. You will assist greenhouse work, inoculations, and weekly disease surveys.

You'll collect root scans, use image analysis tools, and operate LICOR equipment to measure plant traits, with opportunities to develop a senior thesis project. Collaborate with Dr.

Qualifications

• Interest in forest health and physiology.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently with limited supervision.
• Attention to detail and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Assist with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse.
• Inoculate seedlings with Lecanosticta acicola and conduct weekly disease surveys.
• Collect weekly digital scans of roots and use image analysis software.
• Use LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits.
• Perform data entry and general organization tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excel

Teamwork

Independent work

Job description

Posting Number

G/R32536P

Working Title

Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician

Department

Warnell-Research

Employment Type

Employee

Anticipated Start Date

05/11/2026

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

Equal Opportunity Employer 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 ([e-mail]).

Position Summary

The technician will work with Dr. Bothwell, graduate students, and other research technicians to investigate how adaptations to drought and disease vary across southern pine species and genotypes (loblolly and longleaf). Primary responsibilities will include assisting with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse, inoculating seedlings with the pathogen Lecanosticta acicola responsible for brown spot needle blight (BSNB), and conducting weekly surveys of disease severity and seedling health. They will also assist in collecting weekly digital scans of roots and gain experience in using image analysis software to investigate how root architecture, growth, and morphology contribute to forest resilience to drought. They will also have the opportunity to gain experience using LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal conductance). Students may also develop a research project of their own related to the above study, which could become a Senior Thesis project.

Responsibilities

• Assist with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse.
• Inoculate seedlings with Lecanosticta acicola (brown spot needle blight) and conduct weekly surveys of disease severity and seedling health.
• Collect weekly digital scans of roots and gain experience in using image analysis software.
• Use LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits such as photosynthesis and stomatal conductance.
• Perform data entry and general organization tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Preferred Education

Desired qualifications include interests in forest health and physiology, ability to work well as part of a team and independently with limited supervision, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.

Skills

Microsoft Excel proficiency.

Physical Demands

On feet for extended periods and comfortable working in a greenhouse setting. Greenhouse temperatures may reach up to 90º-100ºF mid-summer. Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name: Emily Kuehn

Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]