Assistant Breeder

The University of Georgia is a public flagship university located in Athens, Georgia. The Department of Crop & Soil Sciences is seeking a motivated Assistant Breeder to support its Turfgrass Breeding Program on the Griffin Campus. This role focuses on the development of improved seed‑propagated turfgrass cultivars for lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and recreational areas.

The Assistant Breeder will serve as a lead research associate, overseeing daily operations across field, greenhouse, and laboratory. Responsibilities include supervising staff and student workers, managing data collection and analysis, maintaining detailed breeding records, operating research equipment, and contributing to manuscripts, extension activities, and program reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience.

• Experience in turfgrass science, turf management, plant breeding, or applied agricultural research.
• Familiarity in stakeholder engagement and professional communication.
• Ability to operate and maintain research equipment, including turfgrass machinery and seed‑processing tools.
• Experience supervising student workers or field crews.
• Strong knowledge of turfgrass agronomy and research field management.
• Possession of or willingness to obtain a Category 24 Georgia Pesticide Applicator License (Ornamental and Turf).
• Interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder.

• 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 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 greenhouse environments with heat and humidity.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Manage day‑to‑day operations of the turfgrass breeding program by overseeing greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; coordinating seasonal and student workers; ensuring planting, plot maintenance, sample collection, and greenhouse tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Plan and organize breeding nurseries, progeny tests, and advanced line trials; maintain smooth communication among personnel; ensure all activities align with breeding timelines and research priorities.

• Coordinate, implement, and execute breeding and applied research protocols across multiple turfgrass species.
• Collect, organize, and analyze research and breeding data; maintain germplasm inventories and seed storage systems; manage detailed 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.

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain research equipment used in greenhouse, field, and seed‑processing workflows; oversee maintenance, repair, or modification of tools and infrastructure.
• Ensure all research environments remain functional, prepared, and safe for seasonal and year‑round activities.

• Collaborate with graduate students, faculty, and collaborators on ongoing research projects.
• Assist in mentoring student workers and interns; participate in extension and outreach events such as field days, conferences, and educational demonstrations.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant‑related activities.

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned to support the overall mission and operational needs of the turfgrass breeding program.

Recruitment Contact:
Phillip Vines

Email: phillip.vines

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

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.