Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

S15359P

Working Title

Research Associate-Plant Pathology

Department

CAES-Plant Pathology

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 or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

Schedule is to be set by the supervisor.

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date

06/30/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

08/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a list of References along with a CV and Cover letter.

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 ([email protected]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Res Associate-Life Science II

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary

The Research Associate position is housed in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia's Tifton Campus. The individual in this role will be expected to be an accomplished investigator to maintain a vigorous research program in the area of detection and understanding mechanism of fungicide resistance in Alternaria sp in brasssica, Colletotrichum sp, and Fusarium sp in cucurbits. The overall research goal is utilize techniques not limited to classical mycology, fungicide sensitivity assays, genomics and bioinformatics. The Research Associate will design and coordinate field and greenhouse experiment based assays to test hypotheses. In addition to conducting research, this position will work closely with key interdisciplinary teams across multiple states to evaluate the cultural practices that reduce Altermaria losses in broccoli. The successful candidate will assume a leadership role in data collection and analysis, as well as in the preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, they will be expected to present research findings at local and national conferences and in the writing and preparing of grant proposals for submission.

This is a limited-term position expected to end two years after the start date. Renewal or extension beyond the initial term is anticipated but not guaranteed and will depend on project needs, the availability of funding, and job performance. The position may be renewed on an annual basis, contingent upon continued grant support.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Understanding and appreciation in projects related to fungicide resistance, fungicide sensitivity assay, genomics and bioinformatics.
• Knowledge in writing published articles on related subject matter.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, meticulous attention to detail, and careful adherence to protocol.
• Strong analytical skills, including data quality control, statistical interpretation, and synthesis of research results.

Physical Demands

• Light lifting
• Standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time
• 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

• Conduct research on the detection and characterization of fungicide resistance in Alternaria sp affecting brassica crops.
• Investigate resistance mechanisms in Colletotrichum sp and Fusarium sp associated with cucurbit diseases.
• Conduct commercial field surveys and laboratory analyses, including Colletotrichum sp characterization, fungicide resistance screening, and race typing.
• Design and implement laboratory and field experiments to analyze pathogen response to fungicides.
• Interpret findings to advance understanding of resistance development and support improved disease management strategies.
• Present results at local and national conferences and preparing scientific manuscripts for publications.

Percentage of time

35

Duties/Responsibilities

• Extend research findings into actionable recommendations for growers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with extension and industry partners to implement resistance management practices across diverse vegetable systems.
• Develop and evaluate practical strategies to manage fungicide-resistant diseases in Georgia vegetable production systems.
• Optimize integrated disease management approaches to improve control of resistant pathogens.
• Organize meetings, facilitate communication, and disseminate information among project collaborators.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve as project manager for the Sustainable Anthracnose Management ( SAM ) project, coordinating activities and ensuring timely progress.
• Drafting, editing, and formatting competitive grant proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and alignment with sponsor guidelines
• Prepare annual reports and review scientific publications associated with the project.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

• Train undergraduate and graduate students
• Keep accurate records related to research projects and data.
• Other duties assigned

Percentage of time

5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Bhabesh Dutta

Recruitment Contact Email

[email protected]

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Other Documents #1
2. Other Documents #2