Research Technician

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). 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.

M-F, 8am-5pm

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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

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.

The successful incumbent will assist a postdoctoral fellow in the investigation of the genomes and genetics of AMF associated with the roots of sorghum plants. This will involve DNA preparations, DNA sequencing, and sorghum field scoring.

DNA preparation, RNA preparation, polymerase chain reaction, DNA quantitation and gel electrophoresis, production of buffers and other reagents, agricultural field sample collection, scoring of plant phenotypes, greenhouse growth of plants

Lift up to 50 lbs. and sit a desk for long periods. Some field research will involve working in the sun for several (3-5) hours per day for a few weeks each year. May drive University vehicle when needed to perform job tasks.

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.

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.

Extraction of nucleic acids. Standard protocols published in journals and as trained by senior lab personnel are used to prepare DNA and/or RNA from various plant tissues, microbial samples, or invertebrate samples. Such tasks as pipetting, centrifuge operation, and careful note taking are expected.

Field sample collection. Plants grown in fields at the UGA Iron Horse Farm will have leaves or other tissues cut off (using scissors) or dug up (using a shovel) and placed in labeled bags. The samples are then washed and frozen prior to extraction of nucleic acids.

General lab duties: preparation of buffers and other reagents, management of laboratory chemical inventory, hazardous waste disposal, and laboratory upkeep.

Perform various scientific tests and procedures such as polymerase chain reaction, DNA quantitation, and gel electrophoresis. A PCR machine will need to be programmed to perform appropriate cycling for these experiments, which involve tubes containing various pipetted mixtures of DNA or RNA and other appropriate reagents, using standard protocols developed over the last 35 years. Purified DNA or RNA will be quantified on the appropriate equipment in the lab, and will sometimes be analyzed for its size distribution by electrophoresis through agarose gels poured and run in the standard ways used by labs for the last forty years.

Greenhouse growth of plants and scoring of plant phenotypes. Pots already filled with soil by greenhouse staff will have plant seeds placed in them and watered. Greenhouse staff will take care of these materials for the most part, but harvesting of tissue and scoring of plant phenotypes will need to be performed by the individual hired for this position. Plants in a field or greenhouse will be examined by the naked eye, or sometimes under a microscope, to see what traits they exhibit (for instance, how wide the leaves are or how tall the plant is), and these results will be recorded, often into an excel file. The individual doing this work will need how to use a balance and/or various measuring devices like a yardstick.