Research Technician - McGregor

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Research Technician - McGregor to support Dr. Cecilia McGregor's cucurbit breeding and genetics program in field, greenhouse and lab settings. You will work with faculty, postdocs and students to ensure precise experiments and data handling.

This limited-term appointment is for two years with possible extension based on funding and performance. The role requires strong attention to detail and ability to work outdoors and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to manage large data sets.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to supervise multiple hourly workers.
• Experience with molecular laboratory, farm and greenhouse operations.
• Ability to learn new laboratory and equipment protocols.
• Ability to work with a diverse team and maintain a positive environment.
• Strong multitasking skills and proactive decision-making.
• Detail oriented with experience in horticulture or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day program management and research support in greenhouse, field and lab.
• Maintain healthy plants in greenhouse and field and assist in experiments.
• Provide research support for team members and carry out assigned experiments.
• Coordinate inventory of consumables; order supplies and maintain seed/sample inventory.
• Ensure SOPs are current and program equipment is functioning.
• Supervise and coordinate undergraduate hourly workers; hire when needed.
• Train team members and ensure adherence to SOPs; drive tasks.
• Travel to research plots as required; may include overnight stays.
• Support 50% greenhouse/field, 30% inventory, 20% supervision balance.

Skills

MS Office

Data management

Verbal & written communication

Supervising hourly workers

Molecular laboratory

Farm & greenhouse operations

Learning new protocols

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Experience in horticulture

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Number

S15604P

Working Title

Research Technician - McGregor

Department

CAES-Horticulture

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

Employment Type

Employee

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, Weekends as needed

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Proposed Starting Date

09/01/2026

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 Summary

This position supports Dr. Cecilia McGregor's cucurbit breeding and genetics program. The position will work closely with faculty, postdocs and graduate students to assist in field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments in horticulture and plant breeding. Attention to detail is critical.

This is a limited-term appointment expected to end 2 years after 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.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Proficiency in MS Office
• Ability to manage large data sets
• Ability to communicate clearly through verbal and written communication
• Ability to supervise multiple personnel simultaneously
• Proficient in molecular laboratory, farm and greenhouse operations
• Ability to learn new laboratory and equipment protocols
• Ability to work with diverse team members and create a positive work environment
• Ability to multitask, be proactive, act independently and make decisions
• Detail orientated
• Experience in horticulture or a related area

Physical Demands

• Work outdoors any time of year
• Lift 50 lbs.
• Work in a laboratory for multiple hours a day.
• This position involves out-of-town travel to research plots, including occasional overnight stay.
• Weekend watering of plants in the greenhouse is assigned on a rotational basis.
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks

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

Day to day program management and research support in greenhouse, field and laboratory.

• Make sure plants in greenhouse and field are healthy and well maintained.
• Carry out research experiments as assigned.
• Provide research support for other team members

Percentage of time: 50%

Make sure that the inventory of consumables and other materials are up to date.

• Order consumables
• Make sure that seed and sample inventory are up to date and maintained
• Ensure that SOPs are up to date
• Ensure all program equipment are maintained and functioning.

Percentage of time: 30%

Ensure all team members are trained and following program SOPs.

• Assign and coordinate tasks for undergraduate hourly workers
• Hire and supervise new undergraduate hourly workers as needed.

Percentage of time: 20%

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

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

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)

No