Soybean Research Professional - Li Lab

Job Title

Soybean Research Professional I - Li Lab

This role is a Research Professional position working on soybean breeding and genetics. The position will be funded by grants from the United Soybean Board, University of Georgia Research Foundation, and other agencies to support all field and lab research activities and graduate student education.

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the agricultural production systems and plant breeding; proficiency in field research activities; ability to learn new technology; demonstrated teamwork skills, and ability to work in both field and lab environment.

• Packaging of seeds for planting – 40%:
  Closely work with the research coordinator and other team members in all aspects of field research activities, including seed cleaning, treatment and packaging, planting, managing and maintaining field plots, taking field notes, harvesting plots and plant rows, pod picking, post-harvest phenotyping, seed composition analyses and chemical spray in the field as needed.
• Seed envelope accuracy and layout – 20%:
  Take charge of the timely and high‑quality packaging of seeds for planting; be responsible for verifying the accuracy of seed envelopes, ensuring the correct identification and order; lead to layout seed envelopes for planting based on planting maps, ensuring an error‑free layout and timely completion.
• Operate field equipment – 20%:
  Independently operate the GPS‑equipped tractor for planting and end‑trimming, operate plot combine for harvesting, maintain field plot equipment.
• Setup and management of crossing blocks and greenhouse increases – 15%:
  Assist in setting up, laying out, managing, and harvesting summer and winter crossing blocks and greenhouse increases, spray chemicals for weed, pest, and pathogen control as needed, and participate in the team to conduct soybean pollination in both field and greenhouse.
• Support graduate and postdoctoral researchers – 5%:
  Provide support to the graduate student and postdoctoral researcher’s projects and perform other duties as needed.

• Ability to operate farm equipment with basic understanding of equipment maintenance and the ability to define work priorities and meet the timeline.
• Demonstrated ability to pay attention to details, take initiatives, follow experimental protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral, and to work effectively in a team setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the agricultural production systems and plant breeding; experience in field research activities; ability to learn new technology; demonstrated teamwork skills; and ability to work in both field and lab environments.

• Withstand sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, reaching above shoulder level and lift 50 pounds.
• Operate farm equipment and work extended hours during peak seasons, such as planting and harvest seasons.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

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