Research Professional II

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; 8-5 pm

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 09/08/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/01/2026

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 (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: 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

Position Summary:

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 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.

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.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

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

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): Yes

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:

• 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:

• 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:

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

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities:

• 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.

Percentage of time: 5

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: mmergoum@uga.edu