Post-Doctoral Associate AD-Rains

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate in the CAES-Entomology department. The role focuses on field and lab research in weed management, cotton harvesting technologies, autonomous rover navigation, and the interaction with Aspergillus mold and aflatoxin risk.

Start date anticipated 2026-10-01, with a flexible posting process, located in the Athens/Tifton area. Responsibilities include developing and evaluating innovative projects, collaborating with industry

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research focused on weed management, cotton harvesting technologies, autonomous rover navigation, and peanut insect pests, including their relationship to Aspergillus mold and aflatoxin contamination.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative research projects that address agricultural production challenges and support aflatoxin risk reduction through the integration of precision agriculture technologies, computer programming, and data analytics.
• Collaborate with industry partners, agricultural stakeholders, and multidisciplinary research teams to identify emerging research needs, test novel technologies, and translate findings into practical agricultural solutions.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret research data from field and laboratory studies; prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals, technical reports, and other scholarly communications.
• Present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific and industry conferences, engage with academic and industry stakeholders to disseminate research outcomes, establish collaborative partnerships, and identify emerging research opportunities that advance agricultural innovation.
• Coordinate the work of graduate students and hourly research personnel involved in field, laboratory, and data collection activities; include training staff on research methods, instrumentation, data management procedures, and safety protocols; assign and prioritize tasks; monitor performance and project timelines; ensure data quality and integrity; mentor students in research techniques and scientific communication.

Job description

Posting Details

• Posting Number: G/R34629P


• Working Title: Post-Doctoral Associate AD-Rains


• Department: CAES-Entomology

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: 09/01/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Tifton Area

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].

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.

70% of Time: Duties & Responsibilities

70% of time

• Conduct field and laboratory research focused on weed management, cotton harvesting technologies, autonomous rover navigation, and peanut insect pests, including their relationship to Aspergillus mold and aflatoxin contamination.


• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative research projects that address agricultural production challenges and support aflatoxin risk reduction through the integration of precision agriculture technologies, computer programming, and data analytics.


• Collaborate with industry partners, agricultural stakeholders, and multidisciplinary research teams to identify emerging research needs, test novel technologies, and translate findings into practical agricultural solutions.

25% of Time: Duties & Responsibilities

25% of time

• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret research data from field and laboratory studies; prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and other scholarly communications.


• Present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific and industry conferences, engage with academic and industry stakeholders to disseminate research outcomes, establish collaborative partnerships, and identify emerging research opportunities that advance agricultural innovation.

5% of Time: Duties & Responsibilities

5% of time

• Coordinate the work of graduate students and hourly research personnel involved in field, laboratory, and data collection activities.


• Include training staff on research methods, instrumentation, data management procedures, and safety protocols; assigning and prioritizing tasks; monitoring performance and project timelines; ensuring the quality and integrity of research data; and mentoring students in research techniques, scientific communication, and professional development.