"Post Doctoral Associate - Wild Peanut Lab"

Job Details

Posting Number: G/R31177P

Working Title: Post Doctoral Associate - Wild Peanut Lab

Department: CAES-Applied Genetic Tech Ctr

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.

Employment Type: Employee

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date: 11/01/2025

Posting Date: 09/18/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EOO 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 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Project management: The person in this position is expected to provide support with logistics of the Gates Foundation project called “Breakthrough Groundnuts with Wild Species”. Activities include, but are not restricted to: 1. Seed transfer – Liaise with Program Coordinator and co-PIs elsewhere for establishing genotypes to get transferred; Organize materials for transfer: do quality control (that includes but not restricted to check seed aspect, do marker analyses, correct weight, and seed number) keep proper documentation that includes photographs and marker data. 2. Assist Program Coordinator with creation of publications such as reports, newsletters, website, social media; participate in management team meetings; assist with visitors. 3. Help Program Coordinator organize annual meetings – Help plan 4 international events per year during the lifetime of the Project, which includes working independently to coordinate project meetings in four different countries; direct travel arrangements for participants; coordinate room, meals, and conference arrangements with hotel venue (if needed). Percentage of time: 25

Research: Help with the research of the Wild Peanut Lab that includes but not restricted to: help create a new genotyping system for wild introgressions (With collaboration of CIRAD and CERAAS); population development; QTL analyses; population analyses; GWAS; association analysis; plant/disease phenotyping; student mentoring. Participate in regional, national and international meetings as appropriate. Percentage of time: 50

Support to general Wild Peanut Lab program activities: Help with general lab activities, when needed. Activities may include, but are not restricted to disease and insect bioassays, photo documentation, field and greenhouse planting, scouting and harvest, seed inventory, hosting of visitors. Percentage of time: 25

Classification Title: Post-Doctoral Associate AD

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Position Summary: This position, which reports to the PI of the project “Breakthrough Groundnuts with Wild Species”, provides critical administrative, technical and scientific support to the management of the project, a $5 M, 4-year program awarded to UGA by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The program continues UGA’s lead in BMGF supported international peanut research. The program involves partnerships between UGA, CIRAD (France), CERAAS (Senegal), SARI (Ghana), NaSARRI (Uganda), ZARI (Zambia) and Pyxus (Malawi). This role is responsible for providing technical and scientific support to the management team composed of a PI (David Bertioli) and two co-PIs (Daniel Fonceka and Soraya Bertioli).

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position: Masters degree in the field (PhD is preferred) in following areas or related areas: genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, plant breeding, biology or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: • Demonstrated independent thinking competency • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing • Ability to manage sensitive information with a high level of discretion • Flexibility to changing needs within department/college/ industry • Experience working with research projects in Africa • Knowledge on groundnut breeding and genetics, especially disease resistance

Physical Demands: Lifting up to 25 lbs. Research conducted in various temperatures in both the greenhouse and field.

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

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

Is driving a requirement 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: Yes

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.

Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name: Soraya Bertioli Recruitment Contact Email: sbertioli@uga.edu