New

Soybean Research Professional I - Li Lab

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Mar 11, 2026

Posting Details

Posting Number	S14846P
Working Title	Soybean Research Professional I - Li Lab
Department	CAES-Applied Genetic Tech Ctr
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
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Extended work hours during peak seasons such as planting and harvest.
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date	03/11/2026
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	04/13/2026
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	Lab Tech-Life Science II
FLSA	Non-Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications	Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the agricultural production systems and plant breeding; proficiency in field research activities; ability to learn new technology; demonstrated teamwork skills, and ability to work in both field and lab environment.
Position Summary	This is a Research Professional position working on soybean breeding and genetics. The position will be funded by the grants from United Soybean Board, University of Georgia Research Foundation, and other funding agencies to support all field and lab research activities as well as graduate student education. The incumbent will function as an integral member of a team to conduct soybean breeding and genetics field experiments and to develop soybean varieties. The primary responsibilities of this position, not limited to, are: 1) Closely work with the research coordinator and other team members in all aspects of field research activities, including seed cleaning, treatment and packaging, planting, managing and maintaining field plots, taking field notes, harvesting plots and plant rows, pod picking, post-harvest phenotyping, seed composition analyses, and chemical spray in the field as needed. 2) Assist in setting up, determining layout, managing, and harvesting summer and winter crossing blocks and greenhouse increases, spray chemicals for weed, pest, and pathogen control as needed, and participate in the team to conduct soybean pollination in both field and greenhouse. 3) Assist in operating the GPS-equipped tractor for planting and end-trimming, operate plot combine for harvesting, maintain field plot equipment. 4) Provide support to the graduate student and postdoctoral researcher's projects and perform other duties as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Ability to operate farm equipment with basic understanding of equipment maintenance and the ability to define work priorities and meet the timeline. Demonstrated ability to pay attention to details, take initiatives, follow experimental protocols. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral, and to work effectively in a team setting. Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the agricultural production systems and plant breeding; experience in field research activities; ability to learn new technology; demonstrated teamwork skills; and ability to work in both field and lab environments.
Physical Demands	Withstand sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, reaching above shoulder level and lift 50 pounds. Operate farm equipment and work extended hours during peak seasons, such as planting and harvest seasons. Driving as needed to perform job duties.
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

Duties/Responsibilities	Closely work with the research coordinator and other team members in all aspects of field research activities, including seed cleaning, treatment and packaging, planting, managing and maintaining field plots, taking field notes, harvesting plots and plant rows, pod picking, post-harvest phenotyping, seed composition analyses and chemical spray in the field as needed.
Percentage of time	40

Duties/Responsibilities	Take charge of the timely and high-quality packaging of seeds for planting; Be responsible for verifying the accuracy of seed envelopes, ensuring the correct identification and order; Lead to layout seed envelopes for planting based on planting maps, ensuring an error-free layout and timely completion.
Percentage of time	20

Duties/Responsibilities	Independently operate the GPS-equipped tractor for planting and end-trimming, operate plot combine for harvesting, maintain field plot equipment.
Percentage of time	20

Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in setting up, laying out, managing, and harvesting summer and winter crossing blocks and greenhouse increases, spray chemicals for weed, pest, and pathogen control as needed, and participate in the team to conduct soybean pollination in both field and greenhouse.
Percentage of time	15

Duties/Responsibilities	Provide support to the graduate student and postdoctoral researcher's projects and perform other duties as needed.
Percentage of time	5