New

Limited Term Research Associate-Hort, Tifton (Sugimoto)

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Sep 23, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Number	S14158P
Working Title	Limited Term Research Associate-Hort, Tifton (Sugimoto)
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 (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	In 2018, The UGA Tifton Campus began a yearlong Centennial celebration with various events to commemorate its 100th anniversary of providing updated research to the community. Research is done on a wide range of commodities, including cotton, peanuts, vegetables and turf grass, all of which make agriculture the No. 1 industry in Georgia. In 2004, a teaching program was initiated and it has been growing ever since. College-level instruction on campus is aimed at undergraduate and graduate-degree level study.
College/Unit/Department website	http://www.caes.uga.edu/campuses/tifton/departments/horticulture.html
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Work schedule to be determined by supervisor.
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with education, experience and training
Posting Date	09/19/2025
Open until filled	No
Closing Date	10/01/2025
Proposed Starting Date	10/12/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
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	Research Tech-Life Science I
FLSA	Non-Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications	At least a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science or related field with at least 2 years of experience in postharvest physiology.
Position Summary	The employee will be responsible for managing fruit and vegetable quality to extend shelf-life and agricultural product development through field, laboratory, and storage-based research. The incumbent will assist with project design and implementation, manage data collection and analysis, oversee laboratory operations, and contribute to publications and reports. The role also includes supporting student workers and collaborating with other researchers and scientists on interdisciplinary projects. This position has a limited-term appointment term, which is a 1-year grant-funded term. The position may be extended beyond the initial term, contingent upon continued funding.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Prior experience in fieldwork, laboratory procedures, postharvest quality evaluations. Basic lab knowledge in laboratory apparatus uses and chemical handling. Competence in basic office software applications and statistical analyses. Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn new skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills. Willingness to travel to field sites across Georgia
Physical Demands	Working in a cold, hot, and/or humid environment. Driving as needed to perform job duties. Lift up to 50 pounds Bend, stoop, and squat
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

Conduct field, laboratory, storage-based research projects including project set-up, treatment applications, and data collection.
- Collect fruit from the field and analyze fruit quality data which includes color, sugar, acidity, firmness, ethylene production, respiration, disorders, etc. in the lab.
- Treat postharvest chemicals to extend the shelf-life of harvested products.
- Monitor and set up storage room conditions (temperature, relative humidity, O2/CO2 levels) during storage.
Support ongoing research and ensure successful project implementation.
Collaborate with other researchers and scientists on interdisciplinary projects.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities	Manage project and analyze data, including statistics Contribute to reports, proposals, presentations, and manuscript preparation.
Percentage of time	25

Duties/Responsibilities	Oversee daily laboratory operations: Cleaning Ordering lab supplies Equipment maintenance. Inventory management Assist in establishing a new lab
Percentage of time	5

Duties/Responsibilities	Supervise student workers to maintain productivity and team efficiency by fostering a collaborative work environment. Engage in assisting student and graduate student's projects in fruit harvesting and collecting fruit quality data. Coordinate multiple lab research activities for the students
Percentage of time	5