Post-Doctoral Associate-AD L. Oliveira

Georgia 4-H; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens seeks a Post-Doctoral Associate to lead advanced high-throughput phenotyping initiatives using DASH and BenchBot platforms. You will coordinate phenotyping activities, operate equipment, and ensure data quality to support breeding programs.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a related field, experience with UAS remote sensing, GIS tools, and strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. This grant-funded position includes publication and proposal work.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a closely related discipline with relevant remote sensing experience.
• Certification/licensure (FAA Part 107) desired for drone operations.
• Experience with high-throughput phenotyping or geospatial data analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct high-throughput phenotyping using DASH and BenchBot platforms.
• Develop and refine QA/QC procedures to ensure data quality.
• Process, analyze, and deliver breeder-ready phenotyping products to programs.
• Collaborate with breeders, faculty, and interdisciplinary teams on phenotyping objectives.
• Contribute to publications, grant proposals, and program development.

Skills

Python

R

GIS

UAS remote sensing

QA/QC

Communication skills

Field work

Education

Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, GIS, Geography, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Data Science, Environmental Science, or related discipline

FAA Part 107 License

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

Remote sensing workflows

Job description

Posting Number:

G/R34809P

Working Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate-AD L. Oliveira

Department:

CAES-Horticulture

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.

Employment Type:

Employee

Anticipated Start Date:

10/01/2026

Posting Date:

09/22/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Location of Vacancy:

Tifton Area

EOO 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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage and conduct research utilizing the DASH and BenchBot high-throughput phenotyping platforms, including coordinating phenotyping activities, operating and maintaining equipment, and ensuring efficient system performance.
• Develop, implement, and refine standardized phenotyping and data-collection protocols, while establishing and maintaining quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
• Process, manage, analyze, and interpret phenotypic datasets; maintain data workflows and databases; and deliver accurate, timely, and breeder-ready phenotyping products to research and breeding programs.
• Collaborate with faculty, plant breeders, staff, students, and interdisciplinary research teams to support phenotyping objectives, advance research initiatives, and integrate emerging technologies and methodologies.
• Contribute to research dissemination and program development through technical reports, presentations, publications, grant-related activities, and other programmatic responsibilities as assigned.

Percentage of time:

75

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support UAS-based high-throughput phenotyping research by planning and conducting drone-based data collection and managing the acquisition of RGB and other remotely sensed imagery.
• Process, analyze, and interpret aerial imagery and geospatial data to develop plot-level phenotypic measurements and research products that support breeding, horticultural, and agricultural research objectives.
• Validate and integrate UAS-derived data with field observations, experimental designs, and breeding datasets to ensure accuracy, reliability, and usefulness for research and decision‑making.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams to advance remote sensing applications, improve phenotyping methodologies, and support programmatic research goals.

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and dissemination of research outcomes through peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, presentations, grant proposals, and project reporting activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, and external partners to advance interdisciplinary research initiatives and support scientific and programmatic objectives.
• Provide mentorship and training to students and research personnel while supporting broader research, outreach, and program‑development activities within the Precision Horticulture Program.

Percentage of time:

5

Classification Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate AD

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Position Summary:

The Post-Doctoral Associate will provide scientific leadership and operational oversight for advanced high-throughput phenotyping activities at the University of Georgia. The position will manage and conduct research associated with the DASH and BenchBot phenotyping program at UGA. Responsibilities include coordinating phenotyping activities, operating and managing the phenotyping platforms, developing and refining data collection protocols, processing and analyzing phenotypic data, and collaborating with breeding programs and interdisciplinary research teams to generate accurate, timely, and breeder-ready phenotyping products.
The role will also support UAS (drone)-based high-throughput phenotyping through the acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation of aerial imagery and geospatial data using remote sensing and GIS tools. This work will contribute to the development of crop and plant phenotyping products that can be integrated with breeding, horticultural, and precision agriculture research programs.
In addition, the Post-Doctoral Associate will contribute to the broader research mission of the Precision Horticulture Program through scientific publications, proposal development, grant reporting, data analysis, development of research protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration with breeding teams, faculty, students, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
This is a grant-funded position with continued employment beyond 1 year based on the needs of the project as well as available funding and satisfactory job performance and progress.

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

• Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, GIS, Geography, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Data Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in UAS remote sensing and geospatial analytics applied to agriculture, phenotyping, or field research
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS) and remote sensing/photogrammetry workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to develop reproducible analytical pipelines (Python and/or R) for geospatial processing and plot-level feature extraction.
• Experience managing large datasets with strong QA/QC, documentation, and data governance practices.
• FAA Part 107 License

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :

• Ability to use Microsoft Office software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with breeders, field staff, and research teams.

Physical Demands:

• Work extended hours in the field under hot and humid conditions
• Lift at least 50 pounds
• Driving as needed to perform job duties

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 Details:

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

Recruitment Contact Name:

Dr. Luan Oliveira

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]