Plant Pathology Research Associate (C. Oliveira)

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences seeks a Plant Pathology Research Associate to support field trials, laboratory operations, and AI-driven research within the Peanut and Pecan Pathology Laboratory. Expect collaboration with faculty and industry partners, independent work, and data-driven reporting.

Initial term is limited, with renewal dependent on funding. Location is the Tifton Area, with duties spanning field, greenhouse, and lab environments;

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science.
Strong knowledge of agronomy, field research, and laboratory techniques.
Experience with data management and ARM software.
Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinate laboratory purchasing, inventory tracking, and supply procurement to support field, greenhouse, and lab projects.
Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety of facilities and research space; ensure protocol compliance.
Manage fungal isolate collections and schedule trials to support timelines and objectives.
Coordinate and support field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities for Peanut and Pecan Pathology projects.
Lead AI-focused research planning and data analysis under PI guidance.

Skills

Agronomy

ARM software

Data management

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number S16048P Working Title Plant Pathology Research Associate (C. Oliveira) Department CAES-Plant Pathology 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 3,200 faculty and more than 7,900 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 44,000 students including over 33,000 undergraduates and over 11,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine and the Victoria Kay Investor School of Nursing.

About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information

Schedule is to be set by the supervisor.

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 11/12/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 11/22/2026

Location of Vacancy Tifton Area

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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

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.

Position Information

Classification Title Res Associate-Life Science I FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

The Research Associate will support industry-sponsored and research field trials by coordinating and conducting activities related to planting, fungicide applications, disease assessments, harvesting, data management in ARM, and preparation of trial reports. The position will contribute to laboratory and greenhouse operations, including purchasing, inventory management, maintenance of fungal isolate collections, and organization of research facilities. The Research Associate will exercise independent judgment in coordinating day-to-day research activities, troubleshooting operational challenges, maintaining research records, and ensuring the timely completion of field and laboratory objectives. This role will collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and research personnel in planning and implementing research activities, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Additionally, the Research Associate will contribute to the development and execution of a research project, including experimental implementation, data analysis, and presentation of findings.

This is a limited-term appointment expected to end 1 year after the start date. Renewal or extension beyond the initial term is anticipated but not guaranteed and will depend on project needs, the availability of funding, and job performance. The position may be renewed on an annual basis, contingent upon continued grant support.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies

Strong knowledge of agronomy, field research, and laboratory techniques, with an emphasis on disease management
Experience with data management, ARM software, field-trial planning, industry report preparation, and organization
Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams

Physical Demands

Work extended hours in the field under hot and humid conditions.
Driving as needed to perform job duties
Lifting

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

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

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

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 laboratory purchasing, inventory tracking, and supply procurement to ensure research personnel have the materials and resources necessary to support ongoing field, greenhouse, and laboratory projects.
Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of laboratory facilities, equipment, and research workspaces while ensuring compliance with established safety and research protocols.
Manage fungal isolate collections and assist with scheduling research trials and related activities, exercising independent judgment to support project timelines, research objectives, and efficient laboratory operations.

Percentage of time 40

Duties/Responsibilities

Coordinate and support field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities to advance ongoing projects within the Peanut and Pecan Pathology Laboratory.
Contribute to the implementation of research protocols, collection and management of experimental data, and maintenance of research records to ensure the quality and integrity of scientific studies.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to facilitate research operations, support project objectives, and contribute to the successful completion of research initiatives.

Percentage of time 25

Duties/Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of an artificial intelligence (AI)-focused research project, including project planning, data collection, model development, and evaluation under the guidance of the principal investigator.
Apply AI and data analytics techniques to support disease assessment, fungicide resistance studies, and other research objectives, contributing to innovative approaches within the Peanut and Pecan Pathology Program.

Percentage of time 20

Duties/Responsibilities

Coordinate the management and organization of research data within ARM software to support accurate trial tracking, reporting, and documentation of research activities.
Analyze and summarize experimental data under the guidance of the supervisor, contributing to the preparation of industry reports, research summaries, and project updates.
Maintain data integrity, generating statistical summaries, and the interpretation and communication of research findings.

Percentage of time 15

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Clemen Oliveira

Recruitment Contact Email cjo@uga.edu

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents