Research Professional - Bertioli Lab

Position Information

Classification Title Research Professional AD FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

Laboratory, greenhouse and field work with wild and cultivated peanuts. Lab work involves, but is not exclusive to, DNA extraction, setting up small-scale genotyping reactions, helping set up and evaluate bioassays, organization of the seed bank, and preparing solutions. In the greenhouse, the work involves planting, maintaining and harvesting plants, collecting material for experiments, making crosses, mixing soil, filling pots, and cleaning the greenhouse. Support field work: help plant, evaluate and harvest. Lead the efforts in evaluating and looking for new procedures and technologies to improve processes and efficiency of the program.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Good organization skills.

• Knowledge of basic plant life cycle and genetics.

• Knowledge of basic molecular biology laboratory techniques.

• Knowledge of lab protocols and equipment.

• Knowledge on basic computer skills (word, excel).

• Ability to learn new software's (e.g. Genovix).

• Ability to spend the night in hotel/hostel/motel to be able to be in the field extended hours (fields far from Athens).

Physical Demands

• Withstand sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, reaching above shoulder level.

• Lift 50 pounds.

• Operate farm equipment and to work extended hours including the weekend during peak periods such as planting and harvest seasons.

• Driving as needed to perform job duties in different parts of the state/country, for up to eight hours.

• Work in the field during extended hours in spring, summer and fall for planting, evaluating and harvesting.

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

Research Field Plot:

• Organize the planting and harvesting efforts of plots (over 5 acres) with single plant genotypes, mini-rows and rows. Conduct field disease evaluation and harvest.

• Select seeds that will be used for following planting season. Determine which seeds will best serve the research goals of the program. Selection will be based off of several traits such as productivity, seed size, and drought tolerance.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory Work:

• Interspecific crosses, pollen viability analyses of potential hybrid plants, and identify hybrid plants by phenotypic analyses.
• DNA extraction and quantification; leading bioassays setup, pathogenicity evaluation.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Seed Lab Work:

• Oversee seed sorting, shelling, weighing, up keeping of seed inventory.

• Evaluate harvested seed traits for weight, color, shape, and reticulation.

• Organize and keep control of seed inventory.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Research Greenhouse:

• Oversee plant maintenance, greenhouse organization and cleanliness, seed harvest, planting seeds, and transplanting seedlings.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Innovation:

• Lead the efforts in looking for new procedures and technologies to improve process and efficiency of the peanut breeding program.

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 Jennifer Leverett Recruitment Contact Email jkrogers@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

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.