Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
M-F, 8-5 with some travel as needed for research
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 02/09/2026 Open until filled No Closing Date 02/17/2026 Proposed Starting Date 03/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens 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 I FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field of science
Preferred Qualifications Position Summary
This position will perform activities relating to day-to-day operation in the soil sciences program by supporting principal investigator, graduate students and Postdocs in data collection and performing laboratory analysis of samples, procuring supplies, and coordinating research activities.

*This is a grant funded position and the possibility of renewal of this position for subsequent years will depend on the availability of funds.*
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to independently conduct soil science research at the direction of PI
• Operate soil sampling equipment such as coring machines, probes, etc.
• Operate lab equipment to facilitate research such as drying and sample preparation
• Procure supplies for the lab as needed to facilitate research operations
• Understanding of data analysis and report preparation of soil science research

Physical Demands

• Work outdoors in hot and humid conditions
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Field work which includes soil probe usage and digging holes, often in hard and compact soils

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No 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? 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
Field Research

• Conduct field plot research including travel throughout Georgia to various farm sites and assisting the graduate students and other staff with soil sampling and field based analysis
• Coordinate with farm managers on activities such as irrigation, fertilizer application etc.
• Maintain research equipment for field work
• Maintain and utilize environmental field sensors

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities
Laboratory Research

• Proper drying of samples for research analysis
• Operation of root scanning software
• Operation and maintenance of laboratory sample analysis equipment
• Proper tracking and data management of sample analysis results
• Grinding and preparation of samples for various types of laboratory experiment and analysis

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities
Miscellaneous

• Supervise the undergraduate student employees work schedules as well as lab duties
• Order supplies as needed for research
• Maintain service agreements for lab and field equipment
• Analyze data as requested by PI
• Other duties as assigned

Percentage of time 20

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 Niki Walden Recruitment Contact Email nikiwalden@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents