Research Professional - Li Lab

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S12207P

Working Title Research Professional - Li Lab

Department CAES-Applied Genetic Tech Ctr

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

M-F 8AM through 5PM. Some weekends and evenings during peak planting and harvest seasons. Overnight travel may be required.

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 06/10/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 07/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran 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.



Position Information

Classification Title Research Paraprofessional/Professional

FLSA Non-Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or associate degree in agriculture, crop science, horticulture, biology or related disciplines with 2 - 5 years' experience in agricultural research or production required.

Position Summary

The individual in this position will function as an integral member of a team to conduct soybean breeding and genetics field experiments and to develop soybean cultivars.

The primary responsibilities of this position are:

1) Lead in operating the GPS-equipped tractor for planting and end-trimming, and field plot Combines for harvesting, maintaining field plot equipment and keeping the inventory of equipment supplies as needed to ensure that equipment is fully functional.

2) Closely work with program research coordinator and other team members in all aspects of field research activities, including seed cleaning, treatment, and packaging, planting, taking field notes, harvesting plots and plant rows, pod picking, plant threshing. post-harvest phenotyping, seed composition analyses.

3) Assist in setting up, laying out and managing and maintaining research field plots. Lead in managing the summer crossing block including spraying herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, irrigation, and participate in the team to conduct soybean pollination in both field and greenhouse.
4) Provide support to the graduate students and postdoctoral researchers' projects, maintain integrity of seed in the storage rooms, supervise undergraduate student assistants, and perform other duties as needed. Purchase repair parts and supplies with the State Purchasing Card (P-Card) while visiting satellite fields to ensure there is no delay in research.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to operate farm equipment with basic understanding of equipment maintenance.
• Ability to define work priorities and meet the timeline.
• Demonstrated ability to pay attention to details, take initiatives, follow experimental protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft office including Outlook, Word, and Excel for research and communication, communicate effectively, both written and oral and work effectively in a team setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of production agriculture systems and plant breeding.
• 3+ years experience in field research activities.
• Ability to learn new technology including GPS software for planting and harvest.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of production agriculture systems and plant breeding.
• Demonstrated teamwork skills and ability to work in both field and lab environment.
• Area-specific certification may be involved and training will be provided as appropriate (i.e. UGA HazMat training).

Physical Demands

• Withstand sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, reaching above shoulder level and have the ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Operate farm equipment and to work extended hours during peak periods such as planting and harvest seasons.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties and travel to other locations overnight to perform the research activities as needed.

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? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? Yes

Is having a P-Card an essential function 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

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

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead in operating the GPS-equipped tractor for planting and end-trimming, and field plot Combine for harvesting, maintaining field plot equipment and keeping the inventory of equipment supplies as needed to ensure that equipment is fully functional.

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

• Closely work with program research coordinator and other team members in all aspects of field research activities, including seed cleaning, treatment and packaging, planting, taking field notes, harvesting plots and plant rows, pod picking, plant threshing, post-harvest phenotyping, seed composition analyses.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up, laying out, and managing and maintaining research field plots, manage the summer crossing block including spraying herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, conduct irrigation and participate in the team to conduct soybean pollination in both field and greenhouse.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide support to the graduate students and postdoctoral researchers' projects.
• Maintain integrity of seed in the storage rooms.

Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities

• Utilize the State Purchasing Card to purchase repair parts and field supplies to meet research deliverables and to ensure there is no delay in research.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Brian Little

Recruitment Contact Email balittle@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone



Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume/CV

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. List of References with Contact Information
3. Other Documents #1