Research Professional I

Posting Number: S12086P
Working Title: Research Professional I - Kashyap
Department: CAES-Plant Pathology
About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 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.
Posting Type: External
Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time: Full Time
Additional Schedule Information: M-F; 8AM-5PM
Advertised Salary: $40,000
Posting Date: 05/15/2024
Open until filled: Yes
Proposed Starting Date: 07/01/2024
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 ().
USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at . 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 position is within the Kashyap's-Urban & Controlled Environment Pathology Lab (K-UCEP.) This incumbent should show a strong interest in Controlled Environment production systems, with expertise spanning plant disease management, diagnostics, and the etiology of food crop diseases. This position involves motivation to do applied research and perform extension services for managing plant diseases in urban and homeowner landscapes, gardens, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities. The scope of this individual's work encompasses both research and extension activities, in laboratory, greenhouse/controlled environment facilities, and off-campus locations across Georgia, addressing a spectrum of plant pathology scenarios, to help the stakeholders. This employee will be expected to showcase organizational skills, and a self-driven approach, enabling effective collaboration within the lab's team in a professional setting as well as maintaining orderliness in laboratory bench work. As pivotal contributors, they will have opportunities to be involved in outreach publications and presenting findings at various conferences. This is a temporary position with a 1-year appointment. The possibility of renewal of this position for subsequent years will depend on the availability of funds. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Possess understanding of laboratory techniques and protocols relevant to this research domain, including experience in conducting lab, field, and greenhouse experiments. Familiarity with sterile technique and fundamental equipment within plant pathology laboratories, and knowledge about molecular techniques for pathogen identification, including DNA extraction and PCR procedures. Possess effective management and communication skills, both verbal and written Physical Demands: Extended work in both the greenhouses and fields under various environmental conditions. Driving as needed for sample collections and surveys. Lifting of up to 25-50lbs. 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?: Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? : Yes
Is having a P-Card an essential function 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
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: Conduct research in different aspects of plant pathology across lab and controlled/protected environment settings, focusing on major pathogen problems in urban, homeowner gardens, and landscapes and food crops grown in controlled environments. Assist the PI in surveying and monitoring of plant pathogens associated with food crops grown in controlled environment across Georgia, including plant collection, sample processing, pathogen isolations, DNA extractions, and sequencing. Assist the PI and/or independently develop laboratory and controlled environment trials to test hypotheses and investigate potential research related to pathogen ecology, pathogenicity, diagnostics, pathogen-host-environment interactions, and management. This involves designing studies, executing trials, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, and contributing to resulting reports and outreach articles. Percentage of time: 60
Duties/Responsibilities: As a full-time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory supply ordering and maintenance, including management of the UGA purchasing card (P-card). Assist with lab maintenance: laboratory instruments and inventory, and ensuring overall organization (e.g., wash glassware, prepare basic solutions, and media, take away the trash, autoclave, etc.). Maintain up-to-date lab protocol records and manage the lab culture collection by overseeing the long-term storage process of fungal, oomycete and bacterial isolates. Percentage of time: 30
Duties/Responsibilities: Assist PI in organizing extension workshops and trainings and contribute to the generation of reports and outreach material. The incumbent will have opportunities to refine presentation abilities/skills through lab meetings, departmental events, and other local opportunities. Percentage of time: 10
Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Ruchika Kashyap
Recruitment Contact Email: