Research Professional II

University of Georgia; Griffin, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia’s Griffin-area position is a Research Professional II supporting an active small grains breeding program. This role conducts field, greenhouse, and laboratory research, coordinating trials, collecting data, and assisting with GWAS and genomic analyses.

Responsibilities include planting, crossing blocks, data management with ArcGIS/PIX4DMapper, and publishing findings. The role is based on campus in Griffin with travel and field work across GA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience in agricultural research preferred.
• Ability to plan, execute, and coordinate field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate all field research activities including seed prep and planting at multiple locations.
• Plan, monitor trials and upkeep of trials and sprayer equipment.
• Coordinate research experiments with industry partners and other universities.
• Operate and maintain modern equipment with GPS/auto-steer and UAV platforms.

Skills

Field equipment operation

Leadership

Data management

Communication

GPS/precision farming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

ArcGIS

PIX4DMapper

R

Genovix

GPS auto steer

Job description

Research Professional II

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

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 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 .

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

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, the 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.
• Lift 50 lbs.

Duties/Responsibilities Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate all field research activities/operations including seed preparation, planting field nurseries at several locations around GA and the region, managing/monitoring field nurseries, taking field notes and samples, harvesting nurseries and processing seed. Nurseries are usually located on university properties.
• Planning and monitoring trials. Upkeep of trials and sprayer application equipment.
• Plan, conduct, and coordinate research experiments with co-operators in the industry and other universities.
• Maintain and operate modern equipment (new planters, tractors, combines, etc.) using cutting edge technologies such as GPS , auto-steer, auto drip, UAV (drones) with multi-spectral cameras to phenotype germplasm, etc.

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with technical staff/students in the program to collect, manage and analyze data using appropriate software such as R. Analyzed data will be interpreted and used for publications and presentations.
• Responsible for interpreting data, preparing publications and making presentations to growers, collaborators and other groups, as needed.
• Manage and analyze genomic data using appropriate software such as Genovix R, etc., that will help the program in the cultivar release and planning new crosses.
• Produce vegetative indices for various traits using multispectral images derived from a UAV .
• Running GWAS for various traits

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

• Implement marker assisted backcrossing for rapid parent and germplasm development using SSR , SNP , and KASP markers.
• Manage and analyze data using NEW and appropriate software such as R, ArcGIS, and PIX4DMapper.
• Perform GWAS on various experiments.
• High throughput phenotyping using remote sensing technology to predict grain yield, other yield components, and plant disease is a part of the new role of the individual.
• Assist with breeding for superior malting quality and grain yield in the southeastern United States as part of the new barley breeding program.
• Generate data using novel technologies that will be interpreted and used for publications and presentations.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities (first)

• Coordinate with other program technical staff and graduate students in all greenhouse research activities. This includes planting crossing blocks, F1 and other material for making crosses, emasculation and pollination.
• Responsible for greenhouse research management, including filling pots, spraying fungicides/insecticides, harvesting, and maintaining greenhouses so they remain clean and operational.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members in the program, on the UGA Griffin campus, and with graduate students.
• Evaluate germplasm for major diseases (rusts, Fusarium head blight, etc.) and insects (Hessian fly). Work with the program molecular geneticist to use genetic markers for marker assisted selection.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities (second)

• Assist technical staff with activities within the field and greenhouse on crops including Triticale, Teff, oats, and barley.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities (third)

• Supervise student workers and graduate students.
• Coordinate with other technicians and manage their schedules.
• Maintain field and lab equipment.

Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinate the summer nursery program.

Contact Information

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

Recruitment Contact Name Mohamed Mergoum

Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail]

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents