Temporary Technician (Bier)

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.

College/Unit/Department website: srel.uga.edu

Employment Type: Employee

Anticipated Start Date: 11/23/2026

Posting Date: 10/22/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Augusta 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 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory work including preparing sampling kits, microscopy, DNA extractions, sorting plant samples, preparing samples for sequencing, gel electrophoresis, quantitative PCR, weighing samples, freeze drying, and cleaning lab supplies.

Percentage of time: 60

Duties/Responsibilities:

Field work including collecting water and plant samples from water bodies, conducting stream measurements, and documentation for bioassessment methods based on macroinvertebrate sampling.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities:

Data entry and organization including preparing spreadsheets, data entry, image analysis, and basic statistical analysis.

Percentage of time: 15

Duties/Responsibilities:

Basic management of the supervisor’s laboratory (supply inventory, order and organize supplies, adherence safety protocols, basic equipment maintenance).

Percentage of time: 15

Classification Title: Temporary Technical Paraprofessional

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Position Summary

This position is for a research support technician who will assist in several research projects and lab management. The projects occur at the Savannah River Site and include working with graduate students to understand the diversity of cyanobionts in aquatic ferns that sequester metals in a constructed wetland, develop methods for stream bioassessments of aquatic macroinvertebrates, and learn how mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria influence nitrogen in different agricultural systems. This position will fulfill several duties: 1) Laboratory work including preparing sampling kits, microscopy, DNA extractions, sample preparation for sequencing, sorting plant samples, weighing samples, freeze drying, and cleaning lab supplies. 2) Field work including collecting water and plant samples from a constructed wetland designed for metals removal, conducting stream measurements, and documentation for bioassessment methods based on macroinvertebrate sampling. 3) Data entry and organization including preparing spreadsheets, data entry, image analysis, and basic statistical analysis. 4) Basic management of the supervisor’s laboratory (supply inventory, order and organize supplies, adherence safety protocols, basic equipment maintenance). The candidate will participate in weekly lab group meetings and individual meetings as well as seminars and be encouraged to attend lab-wide community events.

Physical Demands

Field work that includes hot and humid conditions with biting insects in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter. Tasks will include wading into streams and wetlands, carrying equipment to the field sites (distance can be around a mile), lifting heavy objects (>50 lbs), viewing through a microscope at the lab bench for long periods, and repetitive motions such as for pipetting. Driving as needed per job duties.

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?: Yes

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

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: Raven Bier

Recruitment Contact Email: rbier@srel.uga.edu