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University of Georgia

Research Scientist- McGregor

University of Georgia, Tallahassee, Florida, United States,


Research Scientist- McGregor

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Posting Number: S12731PWorking Title: Research Scientist- McGregorDepartment: CAES-HorticultureAbout 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.Position Information:Classification Title: Research Professional ADFLSA: ExemptFTE: 1.00Minimum Qualifications: Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.Preferred Qualifications: A PhD in plant breeding, genetics, plant pathology or related field is preferred.Position Summary

The Cucurbit Breeding, Genetics and Genomics lab at the University of Georgia (Athens) searches for an energetic and creative staff Research Scientist. The employee will participate in cucurbit breeding for resistance to diseases as part of a team of molecular biologists, plant pathologists, entomologists and extension faculty in the southeastern USA. The primary goal of this position is to drive the identification and introgression of resistance loci and candidate genes in cucurbits. The position also offers the opportunity to assist with the development of new projects in this space and in other related areas.The Research Scientist in this position has a key role in the research of the “Managing Whiteflies and Whitefly-transmitted Viruses in Vegetable Crops in the Southeastern U.S.” project. This project is a critical effort by CAES in collaboration with Fort Valley State University and the USDA - ARS to alleviate the economic impact of whiteflies and whitefly-transmitted viruses in vegetable production in the Southeast. The Research Scientist will take a leadership role in the effort to breed for resistance to whitefly-transmitted viruses in squash and watermelon.The position is grant funded and employment past one year will be dependent upon additional funding.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Skills/experience necessary to carry out molecular breeding experiments using genomics and applied bioinformatics to accelerate cultivar development.Possess a good publication track record.Fluent in English (oral and written) and be able to communicate ideas to colleagues and conference attendees.Work independently as well as on a team, and supervise students in the lab, greenhouse and field.Expertise in genomics such as genome-wide associations and marker assisted selection, and bioinformatics, as well as understanding analysis for different breeding schemes.An understanding of plant pathology/plant-pathogen interactions.Physical Demands

Work outdoors any time of year.Lift 50 lbs.Work in a laboratory for multiple hours a day.This position involves out-of-town travel to research plots, including occasional overnight stay.Weekend watering of plants in the greenhouse is assigned on a rotational basis.Driving as needed to perform job tasks.Duties/Responsibilities

Identify QTL associated with whitefly transmitted virus resistance in watermelon and Cucurbita. (50%)Functional analysis of candidate genes, and introgression of resistance loci into elite material. (50%)Communicate research outputs through publication in high quality journals, presenting at conferences, and engaging with colleagues and industry. (30%)Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities. (30%)Contribute to the effective supervision of interns, fellows, undergraduate and graduate students (as appropriate). (20%)Shows leadership through collaboration and active participation in priority activities for the unit. (20%)Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name: Kaz ThomasRecruitment Contact Email: hort@uga.eduApplicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume/CVCover LetterList of References with Contact InformationOptional Documents#J-18808-Ljbffr