New

Research Associate Life Science-CSS

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Mar 09, 2026

Posting Details

Posting Number	S14833P
Working Title	Research Associate Life Science-CSS
Department	CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences
About the University of Georgia	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 Supervisor.
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date	03/09/2026
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	04/01/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include Resume, Cover letter and a List of References
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 ( 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	Res Associate-Life Science II
FLSA	Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	Bachelor's degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications	PhD and experience in related field of science.
Position Summary	This position will independently support and advance the highthroughput phenotyping efforts within the Peanut Breeding Program by applying sensing technologies, robotics, machine learning, and AI to infield digital crop phenotyping. This position will take a lead role in planning and executing research activities, including experimental design, data collection, and the development and optimization of phenotyping workflows. The employee will manage, maintain, and enhance aerial and groundbased phenotyping platforms, integrate and troubleshoot sensors, and refine automated data processing pipelines to ensure efficient, highquality data delivery. The employee will exercise professional judgment in coordinating field operations, scheduling data collection, and ensuring timely analysis to support critical breeding decisions. They will summarize results for field days, stakeholder presentations, and reporting needs, and will contribute to manuscript preparation and dissemination of research outcomes. This role utilizes a high degree of technical independence, initiative in improving program capabilities, and proactive problemsolving to advance digital phenotyping within the breeding pipeline.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Understanding and appreciation of the precision necessary for breeding research. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office software, especially Microsoft Excel. Highly organized, meticulous attention to detail, and careful adherence to protocol. Previous experience utilizing a database.
Physical Demands	Climb Lift Bend Squat 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

Leads the design, integration, and optimization of sensor systems to enhance data accuracy and reliability across the groundbased phenotyping platform.
Independently evaluates sensor performance, identifies functional gaps, and implements engineering improvements to strengthen overall platform capabilities.
Develops and executes testing protocols to validate new hardware and software configurations, ensuring seamless interaction between sensors and core platform components.
Manages endtoend refinement of sensing workflows, from concept and prototyping through deployment and onplatform calibration.
Proactively identifies emerging technologies and integrates advanced sensing solutions to expand phenotyping functionality and system scalability.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Designs and implements advanced analytical pipelines that integrate multisensor, multitemporal phenotyping datasets to generate accurate, decisionready outputs for the breeding program.
Independently evaluates and applies algorithmic approaches-including machine learning, statistical modeling, and feature engineering-to improve trait extraction, analytical efficiency, and predictive accuracy.
Develops and validates robust dataintegration frameworks that merge HTP outputs with traditional breeding data, ensuring reproducibility and alignment with program objectives.
Plans and executes fieldbased highthroughput phenotyping (HTP) data collection, including determining optimal timing, platform configurations, and collection protocols based on field and crop conditions.
Oversees endtoend field data acquisition workflows-operating and adjusting aerial and groundbased platforms, troubleshooting performance issues, and ensuring highquality datasets for downstream analysis.
Maintaining and repairing HTP equipment.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Delivers clear, datadriven presentations that translate complex phenotyping and analytical results into actionable insights for breeders, collaborators, and industry partners.
Independently prepares visualizations, summaries, and interpretation materials tailored to the technical level and decisionmaking needs of diverse stakeholder groups.
Represents the phenotyping program in professional settings, communicating research progress, platform performance, and analytical outcomes to support program alignment and informed decisionmaking.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Independently authors highquality scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and stakeholder documents that clearly communicate research findings, methodological advancements, and program outcomes.
Leads the development of competitive grant proposals by defining research goals, crafting compelling scientific narratives, and preparing supporting technical materials to secure external funding.
Produces clear, accurate written materials tailored to diverse audiences, translating complex phenotyping, datascience, and breeding insights into actionable, wellstructured content.

Percentage of time