Undergraduate Research Assistant - Song

Overview

Posting Number: G/R31811P
Working Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant - Song
Department: CAES-Horticulture

The University of Georgia is chartered by the state of Georgia and is the state’s flagship university. It offers a wide range of academic programs and employs thousands of faculty and staff. The main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses across the state.

Employment Type:

Employee
Anticipated

Start Date:

01/12/2026
Posting Date: 01/07/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes

Special Instructions To Applicants: We encourage applications from undergraduate students of all majors who have relevant skills or a strong interest in plant science, engineering design, robotics, computer vision, data analysis, or related areas. Prior research experience is welcome but not required; curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn are essential. This position may be supported through research credit, hourly pay, or UGA programs (e.g., CURO, CoE Capstone, etc.),

depending on eligibility and availability.

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EOO 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).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 at the policy manual. Additional information on Freedom of Expression is provided in Board Policy 6.5.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with literature reviews and background research (Percentage Of Time: 50)
• Collect, organize, and analyze data (Percentage Of Time: 30)
• Participate in research meetings and training sessions; contribute to reports, presentations, or manuscripts as appropriate (Percentage Of Time: 20)

Classification

Title:

Student Assistant
FLSA: Non-Exempt
FTE: 0.5

Position Summary: Undergraduate Research Associate – Plant Phenomics & Automation

We are seeking motivated undergraduate students to join our research team at the Plant Phenotyping and Automation Lab (Song Lab) in the Department of Horticulture. This position supports ongoing projects focused on automated plant phenotyping imaging and robotic systems for assessing crop growth, plant responses to environmental change, post-harvest fruit quality, and pre-harvest fruit development. Students will engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary research involving plant science, sensing technologies, robotics, imaging systems, and data analysis.

Responsibilities may include assisting with greenhouse or field experiments, operating imaging and sensing systems, supporting robot testing and data collection, processing images or sensor data, and helping with documentation and analysis. Prior research experience is beneficial but not required; training and supervision are provided.

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
Is driving a requirement of this position? No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care? No
Security Access: Yes

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including criminal background checks, verification of credentials and employment history, reference checks, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. A pre-employment drug test may be required for high-risk positions. Visit the UGA Background Check website for details.

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

Recruitment Contact Name: Kaz Thomas
Recruitment Contact Email: hort