Assistant Breeder

Position Information

Classification

Title:

Research Associate-Life Science II

FLSA:
Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Location:

Griffin Campus

Employment Type:

Employee Benefits Eligible – Full Time (1.00 FTE)

Work Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm with occasional nights and weekends to meet project demands.

Posting Date: 02/03/2026

Open until filled:
Yes

Starting Date: 03/01/2026

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia seeks a motivated and highly skilled Assistant Breeder to support the Turfgrass Breeding Program on the Griffin Campus. The program focuses on the development of improved seed-propagated turfgrass cultivars, including bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue, for use in lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and recreational areas.

The Assistant Breeder will serve as a lead research associate, overseeing daily operations across the field, greenhouse, and laboratory. This individual will supervise staff and student workers; manage data collection, organization, and analysis; maintain detailed breeding records; operate and maintain research equipment; and contribute to manuscripts, extension activities, and program reporting. Acting as an extension of the faculty breeder, the Assistant Breeder will implement breeding and selection decisions, maintain continuity of the breeding pipeline, and advance superior lines toward release.

This position is central to the success of the turfgrass breeding program and provides opportunities to gain experience in applied plant breeding, genetics, field research operations, and cultivar development.

• Strong management and organizational skills
• Competence in data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting
• Effective communication across various audiences
• Ability to supervise students and coordinate complex field and greenhouse activities
• Mechanical aptitude, including experience with equipment calibration, modification, and maintenance
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn research software
• Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and willingness to travel as needed throughout the state
• Ability to operate tractors, sprayers, mowers, harvesters, seed cleaners, and related research equipment

• Working outdoors in field conditions and in greenhouse environments with heat and humidity
• Standing for extended periods
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Lifting up to 50 pounds

• Program Management:
  Manage the day-to-day operations of the turfgrass breeding program by overseeing greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; coordinating seasonal and student workers; and ensuring that planting, plot maintenance, sample collection, and greenhouse tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Planning and organizing breeding nurseries, progeny tests, and advanced line trials; maintaining smooth communication among personnel; ensuring all activities align with breeding timelines and research priorities.
• Research Execution and Data Management:
  Coordinate, implement, and execute breeding and applied research protocols across multiple turfgrass species; collect, organize, and analyze data; maintain germplasm inventories and seed storage systems; manage breeding records; assist in data interpretation, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Work closely with the faculty breeder to implement breeding and selection decisions that advance superior lines through the pipeline.
• Technical and Mechanical Support:
  Operate, calibrate, and maintain research equipment used in greenhouse, field, and seed-processing workflows; oversee maintenance and modification of tools and infrastructure; ensure environments are functional and safe.
• Collaboration, Outreach, and Academic Support:
  Collaborate with graduate students, faculty, and collaborators; mentor student workers and interns; participate in extension and outreach events; contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant activities.
• Other Duties as Assigned:
  Additional responsibilities may be…