Plant Phenomics Research Specialist
University of Georgia
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Job summary
The Plant Phenomics Research Specialist at University of Georgia—Griffin Campus—leads high-throughput phenotyping for turfgrass breeding. You will operate UAVs and imaging platforms, collect field and lab data, and implement quality control and automated workflows to support genetic improvement.
Work with faculty and students, maintain equipment, document protocols, and contribute to reports, publications, and grant proposals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science is required.
- Master’s degree in plant science or related field preferred.
- Experience with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for agricultural or environmental research is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct high-throughput phenotypic data collection.
- Operate UAVs and sensing platforms (RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal, X-ray).
- Develop and implement standardized procedures for data quality and reproducibility.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to integrate datasets into breeding decisions.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Posting Number S15768P
Working Title Plant Phenomics Research Specialist
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.
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 Monday-Friday with occasional nights and weekends to meet project demands.
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date 09/17/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Griffin 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
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science
A Master’s degree in plant science, crop science, agronomy, plant breeding, biological or agricultural engineering, remote sensing, data science, computer science or a closely related field. Preference will be given to candidates with experience operating unmanned aerial systems for agricultural or environmental research and those who possess an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
The Plant Phenomics Research Specialist will lead the operation and continued development of the high-throughput plant phenotyping activities within the University of Georgia Turfgrass Breeding Program at the Griffin Campus. The position will coordinate field- and laboratory-based phenotyping using unmanned aerial systems, RGB , multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal, X-ray, and other emerging imaging and sensing technologies.
The specialist will be responsible for planning and conducting data collection, establishing quality-control procedures, processing and organizing sensor-derived data, maintaining data and metadata standards, and developing reproducible and increasingly automated workflows. The position will integrate phenomics information with visual ratings, physiological measurements, environmental information, and breeding records to support genetic improvement and cultivar development.
The specialist will work closely with faculty, staff, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, collaborators, and external partners. The position will also maintain specialized equipment, train research personnel, document protocols, and contribute to research reports, presentations, publications, grant proposals, and other scholarly products.
- Possess knowledge of plant phenotyping, remote sensing, scientific imaging, agronomy, plant breeding, crop science, data science, or related disciplines.
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot unmanned aerial systems and field- and laboratory-based sensing equipment, including RGB , multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal, X-ray, and other imaging technologies.
- Ability to process, organize, analyze, interpret, and manage large and complex datasets using appropriate scientific programming, statistical, geospatial, photogrammetry, image-processing, and remote-sensing software.
- Understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis, data quality assurance, research data management, and the development of clear, reproducible, well-documented, and scalable data-processing workflows.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving, organizational, written communication, and oral communication skills; careful attention to detail; and the ability to manage multiple projects and seasonal deadlines.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively, train students and research personnel, and learn new sensors, software, analytical methods, and emerging phenotyping technologies.
- Work in office, laboratory, greenhouse, and outdoor field environments.
- Work outdoors for extended periods under hot, humid, cold, dusty, and otherwise variable environmental conditions.
- Frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and movement through turfgrass research plots and other areas with uneven terrain.
- Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
- Possess sufficient visual acuity and manual dexterity to operate unmanned aerial systems, computers, cameras, sensors, laboratory instruments, batteries, and related technical equipment.
- Occasional early-morning, evening, weekend, and overnight travel may be necessary to accommodate weather-dependent data collection and research activities at UGA and cooperating locations.
- Driving as needed to perform job duties.
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
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.
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.
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct high-throughput phenotypic data collection for turfgrass breeding and genetics research.
- Operate unmanned aerial systems and field- or laboratory-based RGB , multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal, X-ray, and other sensing platforms.
- Coordinate data collection with field trial schedules, environmental conditions, plant developmental stages, and project objectives.
- Establish and follow standardized procedures to ensure that measurements are accurate, consistent, safe, and reproducible.
Percentage of time 25
- Process, organize, document, and maintain large sensor-derived and image-based datasets. Perform data-quality assessments, identify collection or processing errors, and implement corrective procedures when needed.
- Maintain logical file structures, metadata, backups, version control, and data-retention practices that support long-term accessibility and reproducibility.
- Integrate phenomics data with field observations, environmental measurements, experimental designs, breeding records, and other relevant information.
Percentage of time 25
- Develop, evaluate, document, and improve reproducible workflows for sensor calibration, image processing, data extraction, statistical analysis, visualization, and reporting.
- Use scientific programming, geospatial software, photogrammetry tools, and other computational resources to reduce manual processing and improve research efficiency.
- Evaluate opportunities to automate repetitive data collection and processing activities while maintaining appropriate quality-control procedures.
- Stay current with emerging phenotyping technologies and recommend methods that advance the program’s research capabilities.
Percentage of time 20
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and external partners to incorporate phenomics methods into research projects.
- Assist with experimental planning, selection of appropriate sensors and sampling schedules, data analysis, interpretation of results, and development of research conclusions.
- Contribute technical information and analytical results to manuscripts, presentations, grant proposals, progress reports, and other scholarly products.
- Support the use of phenomics data in breeding decisions and the development of predictive tools for research and turfgrass management.
Percentage of time 15
- Maintain, calibrate, inventory, and troubleshoot unmanned aerial systems, cameras, sensors, computers, data-storage systems, and related field and laboratory equipment.
- Coordinate equipment repairs, software updates, replacement parts, and preventative maintenance in consultation with the supervisor and appropriate vendors.
- Develop standard operating procedures and safety documentation for equipment and data-collection activities.
- Train students, staff, and collaborators in equipment operation, field protocols, data management, and quality‑assurance procedures.
Percentage of time 10
- Maintain clear records of methods, equipment settings, software versions, data-processing procedures, and changes to established workflows.
- Prepare summaries of phenotyping activities, data status, equipment needs, and project progress for the supervising faculty member and research collaborators.
- Participate in relevant meetings, workshops, field days, conferences, and professional development activities.
- Perform other research-related duties consistent with the positions purpose and classification.
Percentage of time 5
Recruitment Contact Name Phillip Vines
Recruitment Contact Email phillip.vines@uga.edu
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- List of References with Contact Information
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