Research Technician

The University of Georgia

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 66,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Research Technician to support the stone fruit rootstock breeding program at Byron, GA. The role involves planning and conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, as well as supervising undergraduate students and part-time workers.

Responsibilities include breeding nursery maintenance, plant propagation, data collection, equipment operation, and routine data entry.

Qualifications

Familiarity with basic lab and field procedures.
Ability to follow established protocols and record results accurately.
Experience with data entry and data management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in planning, design, and implementation of lab, greenhouse, and field experiments.
Supervise undergraduate students and part-time workers as needed.
Maintain field plots, peach nurseries, and propagation work for rootstock breeding.
Collect data, manage equipment, and conduct routine analyses.
Ensure safe laboratory practices and accurate data documentation.

Skills

Biological science basics

Record keeping

Data entry

Laboratory safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two year degree

Professional certificate

Job description

Posting Number

S15571P

Working Title

Research Technician

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.

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information

Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date

08/06/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Proposed Starting Date

08/24/2026

Location of Vacancy

Other Middle Georgia 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.

Classification Title

Research Tech-Life Science II

FLSA

Non-Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

Two year degree, or professional certificate. Technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship.

Position Summary

The position provides research support to the stone fruit rootstock breeding program at the USDA-ARS Fruit and Tree Nut research Lab located at Byron, GA. The role will participate in the planning, design, and implementation of laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments designed to manage rootstock breeding germplasm, breeding nurseries, and field trials. In addition, the position will supervise undergraduate students and part-time workers, responsibilities include managing a variety of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments at or near Byron. More specific duties include breeding nursery maintenance, plant propagation, data collection, equipment maintenance and operation, application of insectices/pesticies using spray equipment, data entry, and program support. This position will report to the principal investigator (Dario Chavez, Ph.D.) and coordinate research with onsite researcher (Jeekin Lau, Ph.D.).

This is a grant-funded position with continued employment beyond 08/31/2029 based on the needs of the project as well as available funding and satisfactory job performance and progress.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science (e.g., plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, etc.) of the research being conducted in order to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed and samples collected; and to understand and relate the significance of the results to the objective of the overall research assignment.
Practical knowledge of the processes, methods, and procedures related to the specific area of research necessary to perform a full range of duties in area of assignment.
Knowledge and understanding of the application of instrumentation used in analyses so that prescribed procedures can be modified to accommodate existing sampling and analytical conditions.
Skill in the operation and maintenance of equipment systems common to the specific area of research being conducted in the laboratory which may be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results.
Ability to follow assigned protocols and recognizes and report abnormal or unexpected results.
Skill in keeping exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments.
Skill in the use of personal computers and software packages in the data collection, analysis, and presentation processes.
Ability to schedule and independently carry out work assignments.
Knowledge of safe laboratory procedures.

Physical Demands

Lifting up to 40 pounds, working outside under high heat and humidity
Some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending
Occasional tasks involving agility or dexterity
Driving as needed to perform job duties

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Does this position require a P-Card?

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Credit and P-Card policy

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.

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Assist project director and other team members with project design and implementation as well as to conduct research projects by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.
Follow assigned protocols and recognizes and report abnormal or unexpected results.
Maintain exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments.
Use personal computers and software packages in data collection, analysis, and presentation processes.
Supervise temporary and student employees.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Maintenance of field plots for research purposes. Associated tasks include growing peaches, breeding nurseries, and doing standard propagation techniques for peaches.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities