GNSN Postdoctoral Research Assistant

University of Georgia

Athens (OH)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 85,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Job summary

The University of Georgia, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, seeks a GNSN Postdoctoral Research Assistant to lead conservation genetics research essential for native plant restoration across the southeastern United States. The role combines field sampling, molecular lab work, and bioinformatics, with emphasis on seed transfer guidance and restoration planning.

The successful candidate will design and implement population genetics studies, collaborate with federal/state partners, mentor

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Natural Resources, or closely related field.
Experience coordinating field trips and multi-agency collaborations.
Ability to supervise students and contribute to grants.

Responsibilities

Lead conservation genetics research to support native plant restoration.
Design and conduct population genetics analyses and field sampling.
Mentor undergraduate/graduate students and publish findings.
Prepare annual reports and contribute to grant development.

Skills

Scientific publications

Leadership

Field collaboration

Grant writing

R programming

Population genetics analyses

Laboratory techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Biology or related field

Tools

R (POPPR, adegenet, etc.)

STRUCTURE

GENEPOP

BOTTLENECK

GENOTYPE

GENODIVE

Job description

GNSN Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Position Details Posting Number G/R34597P Working Title GNSN Postdoctoral Research Assistant Department PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA

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.

About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website https://botgarden.uga.edu/

Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information Full-time schedule with hours at SBG , in the lab and in the field.

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date 10/01/2026

Posting Date 08/28/2026

Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area

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).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Molecular Laboratory Work– 50%

Conduct DNA , RNA , protein, and carbohydrate extractions.
Perform PCR and electrophoresis.
Conduct fragment analysis and allele calling.
Maintain laboratory quality control standards.

Percentage of time 50

Research – 30%

Conduct advanced analyses using R and specialized software.
Interpret genetic data to inform seed transfer zone refinement.
Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
Prepare annual and contribute to annual reports.

Percentage of time 30

Field Work – 10%

Collaborate with federal and state partners to access plant populations.
Prepare collection permits and documentation.
Lead tissue collection and monitoring field trips.
Ensure proper tissue sampling and storage protocols.

Percentage of time 10

Training and development – 10%

Supervise undergraduate and graduate students.
Support student-led research projects.
Attend and present research at conferences and professional meetings.

Percentage of time 10

Position Details

Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead conservation genetics research supporting native plant restoration across the southeastern United States. This position is funded through a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cooperative Agreement focused on strengthening the scientific foundation of native seed sourcing and restoration decision-making. This role will also collaborate with the University of Georgia Herbarium faculty and staff to complete lab work and research.

This role focuses on advancing genetic tools to inform seed transfer guidance, restoration planning, and long-term ecosystem resilience. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will design and implement research that evaluates population-level genetic variability across native plant species, ground-truth Provisional Seed Transfer Zones, and supports science-based recommendations for responsible plant material movement.

The position integrates field sampling, molecular laboratory research, bioinformatics, and applied restoration science. The successful candidate will lead publication development, mentor students, collaborate with federal and state partners, and contribute to grant development that expands the conservation genetics program. This role provides an opportunity to shape regional and national restoration strategies by ensuring genetically appropriate native plant materials are used in ecological recovery efforts.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position

Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel overnight as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Ability to conceptualize, lead, and complete scientific publications in their entirety.
Ability to lead, coordinate, and organize multi-agency field trips.
Ability to supervise undergraduate and graduate students.
Ability to write grants or significantly contribute to grant development.
Expertise in population genetics analyses, including STRUCTURE , GENEPOP , BOTTLENECK , AMOVA , GENOTYPE , and GENODIVE .
Experience with field tissue sampling and proper genetic sample storage.
Extensive experience coding in R ( POPPR , adegenet, pegas, hierfstat, ape, phangorn, SNPRelate, vcfR, migrateR, ggplot2, tidyverse).
Wet lab experience including DNA / RNA /protein extraction, PCR , electrophoresis, fluorescent oligonucleotides, fragment analysis, and allele calling.
Ability to design and install large outdoor common garden experiments.
Ability to grow and maintain plants in greenhouse and outdoor settings.
Ability to deliver professional presentations to diverse audiences.

Physical Demands

Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight trips.

Is this a 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 Is driving a requirement of this position? Yes Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

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.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name Emma Neigel

Recruitment Contact Email emma.neigel@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents