Research Professional I - Kashyap

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 Position Summary

This position is within the Kashyap's-Urban & Controlled Environment Pathology Lab (K-UCEP.) This incumbent should show a strong interest in Controlled Environment production systems, with expertise spanning plant disease management, diagnostics, and the etiology of food crop diseases. This position involves motivation to do applied research and perform extension services for managing plant diseases in urban and homeowner landscapes, gardens, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities. The scope of this individual's work encompasses both research and extension activities, in laboratory, greenhouse/controlled environment facilities, and off-campus locations across Georgia, addressing a spectrum of plant pathology scenarios, to help the stakeholders. This employee will be expected to showcase organizational skills, and a self-driven approach, enabling effective collaboration within the lab's team in a professional setting as well as maintaining orderliness in laboratory bench work. As pivotal contributors, they will have opportunities to be involved in outreach publications and presenting findings at various conferences.

This is a temporary position with a 1-year appointment. The possibility of renewal of this position for subsequent years will depend on the availability of funds.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Possess understanding of laboratory techniques and protocols relevant to this research domain, including experience in conducting lab, field, and greenhouse experiments.

• Familiarity with sterile technique and fundamental equipment within plant pathology laboratories, and knowledge about molecular techniques for pathogen identification, including DNA extraction and PCR procedures.

• Possess effective management and communication skills, both verbal and written

Physical Demands

• Extended work in both the greenhouses and fields under various environmental conditions.

• Driving as needed for sample collections and surveys.

• Lifting of up to 25-50lbs.

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

• Conduct research in different aspects of plant pathology across lab and controlled/protected environment settings, focusing on major pathogen problems in urban, homeowner gardens, and landscapes and food crops grown in controlled environments.

• Assist the PI in surveying and monitoring of plant pathogens associated with food crops grown in controlled environment across Georgia, including plant collection, sample processing, pathogen isolations, DNA extractions, and sequencing.

• Assist the PI and/or independently develop laboratory and controlled environment trials to test hypotheses and investigate potential research related to pathogen ecology, pathogenicity, diagnostics, pathogen-host-environment interactions, and management. This involves designing studies, executing trials, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, and contributing to resulting reports and outreach articles.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities

• As a full-time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory supply ordering and maintenance, including management of the UGA purchasing card (P-card).

• Assist with lab maintenance: laboratory instruments and inventory, and ensuring overall organization (e.g., wash glassware, prepare basic solutions, and media, take away the trash, autoclave, etc.).

• Maintain up-to-date lab protocol records and manage the lab culture collection by overseeing the long-term storage process of fungal, oomycete and bacterial isolates.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist PI in organizing extension workshops and trainings and contribute to the generation of reports and outreach material.

• The incumbent will have opportunities to refine presentation abilities/skills through lab meetings, departmental events, and other local opportunities.

Percentage of time 10

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 Ruchika Kashyap Recruitment Contact Email ruchika.kashyap@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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.