"Plant Nematology Lab Student Assistant – Mitchum Lab"

Position Summary

The Plant Nematology Lab Assistant position will support laboratory and greenhouse research related to plant diseases and the biology of their causal agents under the direction of a faculty member and/or lab manager/post-docs/graduate students. Duties include, but are not limited to, planting and processing of plants for screening for nematode resistance, including labeling tags, packaging and germination of seed, harvesting seed, filling pots with soil, soaking and processing roots for nematode analysis; assisting with plant and/or nematode care by watering of plants in greenhouses and growth chambers, including short periods on a rotational basis during assigned weekends; assisting with lab maintenance and chores, including washing and sterilize pots, stocking supplies, cleaning the lab, disposing of plant material; assisting with prepping, steaming, and disposal of soil.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with planting and processing of germplasm screening for nematode resistance, including labeling tags, packaging and germination of seed, harvesting seed, filling pots with soil, soaking and processing roots for nematode analysis. (40% of time)
• Assist with lab maintenance and chores, including washing and sterilize pots, stocking supplies, cleaning the lab, disposing of plant material. (40% of time)
• Assist with plant and/or pathogen care by watering of plants in greenhouses and growth chambers, including short periods on a rotational basis during assigned weekends. (10% of time)
• Assist with prepping, steaming, and disposal of soil. (10% of time)

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification

Prior experience working with plants is desirable, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Interest in crop/plant science, plant pathology, plant biology, soil science, or a related field who is self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, enthusiastic and eager to learn, manages time well, and is reliable. Excellent verbal communication skills are required.

Physical Demands

Must have multi-hour blocks of availability M-F and availability on weekends on a rotational basis to water and care for plants. Must have the ability stand for prolonged periods of time and work under the warmer temperatures of a greenhouse setting while doing technical tasks.

Additional Information

Employment Type: Employee

Advertised Salary: $14.00

Anticipated Start Date: 08/15/2025

Special Instructions: If interested, please make contact by email with subject line, PLANT NEMATOLOGY LAB ASSISTANT: Send an email to Melissa Mitchum, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics, melissa.mitchum@uga.edu. Please include a statement of interest, resume including contact information for three references, and a current unofficial transcript.

Location: Athens Area