Postdoctoral Research Associate

Posting Number: G/R34018P Working Title: Horticulture Temporary Research Associate- Chu Department: CAES-Horticulture 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. 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. Employment Type: Employee Anticipated Start Date: 08/02/2026 Posting Date: 07/20/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes Location of Vacancy: Tifton Area EOO 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 (View email address on click.appcast.io). USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom. Duties/Responsibilities: Support the UGA Blueberry Breeding Program through field, greenhouse, nursery, and laboratory research activities. Assist in daily operations of the blueberry research farm in Alapaha, Georgia. Apply fungicides and herbicides in accordance with research protocols and safety guidelines. Maintain and troubleshoot irrigation systems to support crop production and research trials. Perform fertilization, weed control, bed preparation, and other routine crop management activities. Transplant blueberry seedlings and maintain research plantings throughout the growing season. Assist with general farm operations, including equipment use and maintenance of research plots. Harvest blueberries during peak production periods to support breeding and research objectives. Collect, record, and maintain accurate research data during flowering, fruit development, and harvest seasons. Travel between the Tifton and Alapaha research locations to support program operations. Assist researchers with ongoing field experiments and other breeding program activities as assign Percentage of time: 100 Classification Title: Temporary Technical Paraprofessional FLSA: Non-Exempt FTE: 1.00 Position Summary: The Temporary Research Associate position is based on the UGA Tifton Campus and is a limited-term appointment. This position supports the UGA blueberry breeding program, which focuses on developing blueberry cultivars adapted to the South Georgia growing environment and ornamental varieties for home gardening. The selected candidate will work in both Tifton and Alapaha, Georgia, and will assist with a variety of field, greenhouse, nursery, and laboratory activities that support ongoing blueberry research projects.Most of the effort will focus on managing the blueberry research farm located in Alapaha, including fungicide and herbicide applications, irrigation system maintenance, fertilization, weed control, bed preparation, seedling transplanting, and general farm operations. The employee will also participate in harvesting activities, including picking blueberries and collecting research data during flowering and harvest seasons. Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position: Experience in blueberries is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies : Positive attitude Excellent work ethic Willingness to learn Ability to obtain and hold a Pesticide License Physical Demands: Driving Heavy lifting Endurance of extreme weather conditions, such as, humidity, heat, rain and cold temperatures. 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 Is driving a requirement 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 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. Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name: Ye Chu Recruitment Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr