Research Professional II

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences seeks a Research Professional II to lead efforts in the small grains breeding program. You will manage field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities, coordinating with students and staff to advance research objectives.

Responsibilities include planning trials, performing crosses, and applying marker-assisted selection using SSR, SNP, and KASP markers, with data analyzed in ArcGIS and PIX4DMapper; occasional travel within Georgia is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience in agricultural research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage research activities related to the small grains breeding program.
• Plan and execute research trials/nurseries and collect and analyze data.
• Participate in studies to evaluate wheat and other small grains germplasms.
• Generate research projects to produce new findings.
• Plant crossing blocks, F1 and other material for crosses (emasculation and pollination).
• Marker assisted backcrossing for rapid parent development using SSR, SNP, and KASP markers.
• Data management with ArcGIS and PIX4DMapper.
• High throughput phenotyping using remote sensing technology to predict yield and disease.

Skills

Field work

Data management

Team coordination

Leadership

Research planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

ArcGIS

PIX4DMapper

GPS auto steer

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number S15714P Working Title Research Professional II 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 Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information

Monday-Friday; 8-5 pm

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 09/08/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Griffin Area EEO Policy Statement

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, and 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 II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in agricultural research

Position Summary

The individual will conduct and manage research activities related to the small grains breeding program. In coordination with other technical staff and graduate students, the individual will be responsible for the research program, which includes all field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities. They will plan and execute research trials/nurseries and will collect and analyze data. Specifically, they will participate in studies to evaluate wheat and other small grains germplasms. This person will generate research projects to produce new findings. This role will include planting crossing blocks, F1 and other material for making crosses (i.e. emasculation and pollination). Marker assisted backcrossing for rapid parent development using SSR, SNP, and KASP markers. Data management will involve the use of appropriate software such as ArcGIS, and PIX4DMapper. Doing GWAS on various experiments is expected. Analyzed data will be interpreted and used for publications and presentations. High throughput phenotyping using remote sensing technology to predict grain yield, other yield components, and plant disease.

This is a limited-term appointment expected to end 3 yearsafter 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

• Safely operate and maintain field equipment (tractors, planters, combines, seed cleaners, etc.).
• Multitask and work well in both independent and team-oriented environments with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of field and greenhouse work. Organize data sets, and supervise both students and hourly employees.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Experience evaluating disease and insect trials for resistance screening.
• Working knowledge of GPS auto steer and precision planting.
• Familiar with plant breeding techniques and technologies as it applies to wheat and barley.
• Experience working with genetic markers and doing GWAS.

Physical Demands

• Work outdoors in various environmental conditions including heat or cold.
• Safely operate and maintain field equipment.
• Travel throughout the state of Georgia on a regular basis with overnight stays during planting, harvesting, and selection season.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.