Plant Pathology Research Technician (Chowdhury)

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s CAES-Plant Pathology team in Tifton, GA is seeking a Research Technician with a strong interest in agriculture to coordinate and conduct plant nematology research. The role includes managing lab, greenhouse, and field experiments, procuring supplies, and supervising student researchers.

This full-time position is based in Tifton, GA and may require travel to meetings. It is a limited-term appointment ending after one year, with potential renewal based on performance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to manage projects or supervise undergraduate/graduate researchers.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping abilities.
• Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain one.
• Experience operating farm equipment or willingness to learn how to operate.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments in plant nematology.
• Coordinate research operations and procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students on methodologies.
• Serve as primary PCard holder and manage purchases and reconciliations.
• Assist with outreach and field days and related activities.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills.

Managerial responsibilities

Independent and team work

Organizational and record-keeping

Pesticide Applicator’s License or able

Operate farm equipment or learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Number:

S15724P

Working Title:

Plant Pathology Research Technician (Chowdhury)

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 3,100 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:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During harvesting and planting seasons hours are subject to fluctuation.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date:

09/10/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

09/27/2026

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 [e-mail].

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.

Classification Title:

Research Tech-Life Science I

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Position Summary:

The Specialty Crop and Cotton Nematology team at the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus is seeking an individual with a strong interest in agriculture for a Research Technician position. The technician will coordinate and conduct research in the area of plant nematology research, manage laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, maintain and procure supplies and equipment, supervise undergraduate researchers, and assist graduate students on laboratory techniques.
Opportunity to attend in- and out-of-state meetings is anticipated, however, will be based on performance, research activity, and success.
This is a full-time position located in Tifton, GA and involves the use of a PCARD.
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:

• Oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of or strong potential for managerial responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Meticulous organizational and record-keeping abilities.
• Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to get one.
• Ability to operate farm equipment used in crop production or willingness to learn how to operate.

Physical Demands:

• Pick up and move 40 lb. buckets/bags of soil.
• Mix large quantities of soil for use in the screening program.
• Work at sinks with water for extended periods of time
• Greenhouse and field work during summer can be in hot and humid conditions.
• Driving to perform job related duties.

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?:

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? :

Yes

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:

• Establish, and manage laboratory, field, and greenhouse experiments, including planting, inoculation, irrigation, pesticide application, data collection, and harvesting activities.
• Coordinate research operations and logistics by organizing schedules, preparing inoculum and research materials, procuring supplies and equipment, and maintaining accurate inventories and records.
• Operate and maintain agricultural and research equipment, including tractors, trucks with trailers, and other machinery, to support field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities safely and efficiently.

Percentage of time:

40

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field research studies to evaluate the biology, epidemiology, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes affecting vegetable and cotton production systems.
• Collect, process, and analyze soil and root samples by extracting and identifying nematodes, conducting greenhouse resistance screening, performing host-range testing, and maintaining accurate research records.

Percentage of time:

35

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain pure cultures of plant-parasitic nematode species in greenhouse environments by inoculating sterilized soil, planting susceptible host crops, and implementing contamination-prevention practices to preserve culture purity through proper handling, sanitation, and routine monitoring.
• Manage greenhouse conditions to support healthy plant growth and nematode culture maintenance, including monitoring irrigation, temperature, and overall plant health to ensure reliable research materials for experimental studies.

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Train and guide new graduate and undergraduate students joining the team on basic methodologies and nematological techniques.
• Collaborate with the crop nematologist, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers on research projects by helping prepare inoculum, maintain greenhouse plants, pesticide application,and harvest and plant in greenhouse and field.
• Serve as a primary PCard holder
• Process and reconcile purchase card transactions in compliance with University of Georgia financial policies and procedures
• Monitor cardholder activity to maintain adherence to spending limits and policy guidelines
• Prepare and submit monthly reports and reconciliations in a timely manner
• Resolve discrepancies and work with vendors and departments to correct billing issues

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist the crop nematologist in outreach and Extension activities by preparing display specimens, manning booths on field days, giving short talks on methodologies of nematological research etc.

Percentage of time:

5

Contact Details:

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

Recruitment Contact Name:

Dr. Intiaz Chowdhury

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]