CSS Research Technician -Life Science

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Georgia seeks a CSS Research Technician - Life Science I to provide operational and research support for peanut breeding programs at the Tifton Campus. You will assist with soil prep, plant care, irrigation, tissue sampling, and seed processing under Dr. Nino Brown's supervision.

The role emphasizes hands‑on technical work, coordination of routine greenhouse tasks, and collaboration with researchers, students, and staff to advance breeding objectives.

Qualifications

• Good written and verbal skills are required.
• Competency with crop management and agronomic principles.
• Competency with manual cross pollinations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate routine greenhouse activities including plant care, irrigation, fertilization, spraying, and environmental monitoring.
• Assist with greenhouse and facility maintenance to ensure safe, effective research operations.
• Prepare soils, planting materials, and growing environments for breeding and seed increase activities.
• Support peanut breeding research through tissue sampling, cross-pollination, data collection, and other lab/field activities.
• Assist with harvesting, seed processing, and management of breeding populations and seed lots.
• Provide hands-on technical support to maintain program continuity at the Tifton Campus.

Skills

Good written and verbal skills

Crop management knowledge

Manual cross pollinations

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

Posting Details

• Working Title: CSS Research Technician -Life Science
• Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences
• About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
• Posting Type: External
• Retirement Plan: TRS
• Employment Type: Employee
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Full/Part time: Part Time
• Schedule: Schedule is to be set by the supervisor.
• Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
• Location: Tifton Area
• Proposed Starting Date: 11/08/2026
• EEO Policy 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]).
• USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, and the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

• Classification Title: Research Tech-Life Science I
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• FTE: 0.75
• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent
• Position Summary: This Research Technician provides operational and research support for the Peanut Breeding Program within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences under the direction of Dr. Nino Brown. The position works closely with researchers, graduate students, technicians, and student employees to support breeding and seed increase activities that advance program objectives. The individual in this role supports all phases of peanut breeding and greenhouse research, including soil preparation, irrigation, fertilization, plant care, tissue sampling, cross-pollination, harvesting, and seed processing. The position helps maintain continuity of research operations at the Tifton Campus by providing hands‑on technical support, supervising routine tasks, and contributing to the successful completion of breeding projects and related research goals.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:
  • Good written and verbal skills.
  • Competency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
  • Competency with crop management and agronomic principles.
  • Competency with manual cross pollinations.
• Physical Demands:
  • Work in hot, humid conditions for extended periods.
  • Lift 50lb items repeatedly.
  • Driving as needed to perform job duties.
• Driving a responsibility of this position: Yes
• Position of Trust: Yes
• Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No
• Does this position require a P-Card?: No
• Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No
• Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care?: No
• Does this position have Security Access? Yes
• Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
• Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate routine greenhouse activities, including plant care, irrigation, fertilization, spraying, and environmental monitoring.
• Assist with greenhouse and facility maintenance to ensure safe, effective, and productive research operations.
• Prepare soils, planting materials, and growing environments to support breeding and seed increase activities.
• Support peanut breeding research through tissue sampling, cross‑pollination, data collection, and other laboratory and field‑related activities.
• Assist with harvesting, seed processing, and management of breeding populations and seed lots.
• Contribute to the successful execution of breeding and seed increase projects by providing hands‑on technical and operational support.
• Work closely with researchers, graduate students, technicians, and student employees to achieve shared research objectives.
• Help coordinate daily research activities and prioritize tasks to maintain continuity of program operations.
• Provide guidance and oversight of routine research and greenhouse tasks while supporting overall program productivity at the Tifton Campus.