Graduate Research Assistant; MS - Bag

Position Summary

Masters graduate position is available starting Summer 2021 in the plant virology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The University of Georgia‑Tifton. The position is based in Coastal Plain Experiment Station at Tifton, GA. The successful applicant will contribute to a project involving insect‑transmitted viruses, characterization, and epidemiology of crops grown in the region including vegetables, peanuts, and cotton.

The work will focus on virus‑vector and virus‑host interactions in cotton crops important to Georgia and will apply genomics approaches to develop host resistance against the viruses. Results will be disseminated through conferences, symposia, and peer‑reviewed publications.

• Work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field to study the molecular epidemiology of insect‑transmitted viruses in Georgia.
• Develop research design, diagnostic tools, data analysis, interpretation, project management, results summarization, and formal presentations in meetings and symposiums.
• Continue graduate student course credits.
• Write reports and present data at symposiums.

• Recent undergraduate with a major in molecular biology, plant science, plant biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology with a GPA of 3.5 and above is preferred.
• Experience in plant virology laboratories and exposure to field, greenhouse, and molecular labs is an added advantage.
• Higher GRE and a good TOEFL score are required as per UGA guidelines.
• Prior experience and exposure to molecular techniques and field analysis.

Light lifting, sitting, and/or standing for extended periods of time.

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).

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information
• GMAT or GRE score verification
• Three reference letters in PDF