Graduate Research Assistant (MS) - Bag

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a Masters graduate position in the plant virology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, GA. The successful candidate will contribute to a project on insect-transmitted viruses affecting crops in the region, including vegetable, peanut and cotton.

The role will study virus-vector and virus-host interactions in cotton, apply genomics for host resistance, and disseminate findings through

Qualifications

• Recent undergraduate with GPA 3.5+ in molecular biology, plant science, plant biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology.
• Experience in plant virology labs and exposure to field, greenhouse, and molecular labs is an added advantage.
• Higher GRE and a good TOEFL score are needed as per UGA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• 70% of time: Work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field to study molecular epidemiology of insect-transmitted viruses in Georgia; develop research designs, diagnostic tools, data analysis, interpretation, project management, results summarization, and formal presentations.
• 20% of time: Continue graduate student course credits.
• 10% of time: Write reports and present data in symposiums.

Skills

Molecular techniques

Laboratory work

Data analysis

Project management

Presentations

Education

Molecular biology / plant science bachelor (GPA 3.5+)

Job description

Position Summary

Masters graduate position is available starting Summer 2021 in the plant virology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The University of Georgia-Tifton. The position is based in Coastal Plain Experiment Station at Tifton GA. The successful applicant will contribute to a project involving insect-transmitted virus, characterization, and epidemiology of crops grown in the region including vegetable, peanut and cotton. Studying the various components of the pathosystem with emphasis on virus‑vector and virus‑host interaction in cotton crops important to Georgia. Application of genomics approach for host resistance against the viruses in cotton crops. Disseminate the research outcomes through conferences, symposia, and peer‑reviewed research articles.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 70% of time: Work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field to study the molecular epidemiology of insect‑transmitted viruses in Georgia; develop research designs, diagnostic tools, data analysis, interpretation, project management, results summarization, and formal presentations.
• 20% of time: Continue graduate student course credits.
• 10% of time: Write reports and present data in symposiums.

Education and Experience Requirements

Recent undergraduate with major in molecular biology, plant science, plant biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology with GPA 3.5 and above is preferred. Experience in plant virology labs and exposure to field, greenhouse, and molecular labs is an added advantage. Higher GRE and a good TOEFL score are needed as per UGA guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

Prior experience and exposure to molecular techniques and field analysis is preferred.

Physical Demands

Light lifting, sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.

Equal Opportunity 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]).