Research Technician - Grass Genomes (Devos Lab)

*Posting Number:*S05638P*Working Title:*Research Technician - Grass Genomes (Devos Lab)*Department:*CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences*About the University of Georgia:*The University of Georgia (UGA), a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ([https://www.uga.edu/](https://www.uga.edu/)).

UGA is currently ranked among the top 15 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 was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country.

UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff.

The University’s enrollment exceeds 39,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 9,000 graduate and professional students.

Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.*About the College/Unit/Department:*Researchers in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences evaluate innovative concepts and technologies to enhance agricultural science and ensure a sustainable agroecosystem.

These research programs range from fundamental biology to applied field experiments and facilitate the training of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.*College/Unit/Department website:*https://cropsoil.uga.edu/*Posting Type:*External*Retirement Plan:*TRS*Employment Type:*Employee*Benefits Eligibility:*Benefits Eligible*Full/Part time:*Full Time*Additional Schedule Information:*Monday through Friday 8 am – 5 pm with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed*Advertised Salary:*$25,175 - $37,500; Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications*Posting Date:*02/03/2021*Open until filled:*Yes*Proposed Starting Date:*06/01/2021*Location of Vacancy:*Athens Area *EEO Policy Statement:*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.

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).*UGA Statement:*PLEASE NOTE: On December 7, 2021, the federal District Court for the Southern District of Georgia issued a preliminary injunction against enforcing the vaccine requirement forFederal Contractors pending further review.

As a result, the requirements of the Executive Order and associated guidance, including the vaccination requirement for covered contractor employees, are currently not in effect.The University of Georgia is a Federal Contractor as defined by Presidential Executive Order 14042 and subject to the requirement that Federal Contractors must ensure that all covered employees, including those working remotely, are fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022.

You may be required to show proof of your fully vaccinated status at the time of your start date, or have received a medical or religious exemption from the fully vaccinated requirement at the time of your start date.

For more information regarding the Federal Contractor fully vaccinated employment requirement please visit [https://coronavirus.uga.edu/executive-order/](https://coronavirus.uga.edu/executive-order/) or call (706) 542-2222.*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.*Position Summary:*This Research Technician position works as part of a dynamic team on the genetics of grasses.

In addition to laboratory research, the post-holder will assist with planting, maintaining, and harvesting of greenhouse and field experiments.

The Devos Lab consists of a multinational team of graduate students and post-docs working under the supervision of and with people of different cultural backgrounds.

Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in next-generation library preparation.

This position is grant-funded for five (5) years.

While the continuation of funding and employment is anticipated, it is not guaranteed.*Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:*Demonstrated molecular analysis competency.

Attention to detail.

Ability to implement existing protocols.*Physical Demands:*Lift 25 lbs.Work in varying weather conditions dependent on the time of year.Driving.*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](https://hr.uga.edu/applicants/pre-employment-background-investigations/) website.*Duties/Responsibilities:*Conducting and analyzing experiments in the laboratory, the greenhouse, and the field:- Laboratory work: Data analysis – entry of data into spreadsheets, data sorting, data processing – all computational, data reporting using a spreadsheet, document, or presentation formats.

Lab organization, and maintenance.

Assure essential supplies are available in the lab at all times.

Ordering basic chemicals, fertilizers, pots, and other basic supplies.

Prepare solutions and media.

Collect samples.- Day to day operation of research greenhouses including basic repairs- Fieldwork at research sites, collect samples, deliver samples to the lab, install field equipment.

Research data analysis and initial interpretation of results.

Determine the next steps of analysis based on the results.*Percentage of time:*75*Duties/Responsibilities:*Growing and harvesting plant material: watering and fertilizing crops and coordinating maintenance with facilities management as needed.

Research plant establishment, care, and maintenance.*Percentage of time:*20*Duties/Responsibilities:*General laboratory duties including organizing and washing*Percentage of time:*5