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.
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
TRS or ORP
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time
Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information
Schedule is to be set by the supervisor.
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date
06/10/2026
Open until filled
Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date
07/01/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include resume, references, and a cover letter.
Location of Vacancy
Tifton 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 ([email protected]).
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.
Master's degree in plant biology or related disciplines with knowledge in plant tissue culture, molecular characterization of transgenic plants, marker-assisted selection and bioinformatics.
Position Summary
The Research Associate position is critical to accomplishing the mission of the peanut breeding program. The successful candidate will support a dynamic research program focused on gene identification, genetic engineering and molecular breeding of peanut. This role integrates advanced genomic and biotechnological approaches, including genetic mapping, plant tissue culture, CRISPR /Cas9-mediated genome editing, and marker-assisted selection ( MAS ), to develop stress-resilient and high-yielding varieties. The biotechnological component of the program will involve generating and characterizing transgenic and gene-edited lines, from cloning through greenhouse and field evaluation. The marker-assisted selection ( MAS ) component will include field planning, planting, phenotyping, genotyping, management and analysis of genomic and phenotypic data, and associated statistical and bioinformatic analyses to identify genomic elements responsible for stress tolerance and quality traits. The role will also include writing research reports and scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, supervising student workers, and supporting research projects led by graduate students.
This is a limited-term position expected to end two 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
Knowledgeable in molecular biology laboratory protocols such as DNA extraction, PCR , digital PCR , gene cloning
Knowledgeable in aseptic technique such as plant tissue culture, media preparation, documentation of tissue culture materials
Basic knowledge in microscopy
Molecular breeding skills such as designing molecular markers, phenotyping and bioinformatics analysis
Experience in peanut breeding and tissue culture
Physical Demands
Standing
Bending
Working outdoors in varying weather for extended periods of time
Driving as needed to perform job duties
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
Duties/Responsibilities
Prepare laboratory solutions and media to support tissue culture and molecular biology workflows.
Initiate and maintain plant tissue cultures for peanut transformation and propagation.
Develop transgenic and gene-edited peanut lines using advanced molecular and genetic engineering techniques.
Design and construct gene vectors utilizing novel cloning approaches.
Grow and manage transgenic plants in biosafety-compliant greenhouse facilities.
Characterize gene-edited and transgenic lines using molecular and biochemical assays, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR , RT- PCR , qPCR, digital PCR , protein quantification, enzymatic assays, and Western blot analysis.
Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, and prepare results for reports, publications, and presentations.
Percentage of time
40
Duties/Responsibilities
Maintain field trials and breeding populations to support annual breeding objectives.
Prepare and implement experimental designs, ensuring accurate plot layout and data integrity.
Facilitate field preparation, establishment, and ongoing management of peanut genetic materials.
Conduct phenotyping and genotyping to evaluate plant performance and genetic variation.
Analyze data to identify important genomic loci
Integrate phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental data to guide selection decisions.
Percentage of time
30
Duties/Responsibilities
Enter, organize, and process research data using spreadsheets and other computational tools, maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.
Verify the accuracy and completeness of data, and maintain well-organized digital records.
Compile, interpret, and format research data, tables, and figures to effectively communicate study findings.
Draft, edit, and format manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring clarity, scientific accuracy, and compliance.
Prepare annual reports and review scientific publications associated with projects.
Percentage of time
25
Duties/Responsibilities
Miscellaneous: Waste disposal, maintenance of stocks and buffers, ordering chemicals
Other activities assigned by the supervisor
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.
