Research Professional - Agricultural Research

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Research Professional.

FVSU, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

Job Summary

The Research Professional will collaborate with the Principal Investigator on projects focusing on integrated production systems, stress response, behavior analysis, and muscle biology in goats, with emphasis on Big Data analytics, Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning (AI-ML) techniques, and the development and application of deep learning models to answer complex questions. The incumbent will assist in the training and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students in live animal experiments and daily lab activities, conduct independent experiments, collect, and analyze data, and contribute to writing reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaboratively plan and execute experiments in a timely manner

• Assist the Principal Investigator in training and supervising graduate students

• Analyze data, present results at professional conferences, and collaboratively publish articles in peer-reviewed journals

• Write and contribute to grant proposals

• Participate in university- and college-sponsored activities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

• Teach courses and provide instructional support as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Animal Science or a closely related field

• Expertise in lab techniques related to the assessment of animal stress and meat quality

• Programming skills in languages such as R, and Python, and proficiency in other user interface web based software and programs

• Experience in integrating advance technologies in relation to diet, physiology, and meat quality characteristics

• Experience in Big Data analytics, AI-ML techniques, and the development and application of deep learning models

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member and independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of animal handling practices, integrated animal production systems, behavioral and physiological stress responses

• Experience working with small ruminants

• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Experience in grant writing skills

• Utilization of advanced technologies in experimentation, data analysis and interpretation

Working Conditions

• Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

• Occasional evening/weekend work required according to the needs of the project and department

• Occasional travel required for research activities and for presenting research papers in professional meetings

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

Physical Requirements

• Working outdoors in animal pens, pastures, and paddocks required according to the needs of the project

• Sitting for extended periods of time, occasional standing, lifting moderately heavy objects, performing repetitive tasks required

Direct Reports

• Graduate Research Assistants, Research Assistants, undergraduate students

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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.