Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician

Position Title

Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician

Athens Area

G/R32536P

Employee

05/11/2026

Yes

The technician will work with Dr. Bothwell, graduate students, and other research technicians to investigate how adaptations to drought and disease vary across southern pine species and genotypes (loblolly and longleaf). They will assist with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse, inoculating seedlings with the pathogen Lecanosticta acicola responsible for brown spot needle blight, and conducting weekly surveys of disease severity and seedling health.

They will also assist in collecting weekly digital scans of roots, gain experience using image analysis software, and use LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits such as photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. Students may also develop a research project of their own related to the above studies, which could become a Senior Thesis project.

• Assist with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse (60% of time).
• Inoculate seedlings with Lecanosticta acicola and conduct weekly disease severity surveys (60% of time).
• Collect weekly digital scans of roots and use image analysis software for root architecture studies (15% of time).
• Use LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits such as photosynthesis and stomatal conductance (10% of time).
• Perform data entry and general organization tasks (5% of time).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Interests in forest health and physiology.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently with limited supervision.
• Attention to detail and a positive attitude.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

• On feet for extended periods and comfort with greenhouse conditions; temperatures may reach up to 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit in mid-summer.
• Driving required to perform job duties.

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, 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).

Emily Kuehn – Emily.

Kuehn