ADS Research Associate-Life Science

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15365P

Working Title: ADS Research Associate-Life Science

Department: CAES-Animal & Dairy Science

Location: Tifton Area

Employment Type: Employee

Full/Part Time: Full Time

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

The Research Associate position is housed in the Department of Animal & Dairy Science at the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus. This role is responsible for coordinating and supporting applied research and demonstration activities in beef cattle nutrition and forage/grazing management. The responsibilities include implementing research protocols, managing daily trial operations, and overseeing livestock and field components, including data and sample collection and organization.

The incumbent will provide leadership and supervision to graduate students and temporary labor, ensuring proper training, safe livestock handling, and maintenance of research areas. Key decisions involve animal and forage management, herd health monitoring, livestock processing, grazing strategies, and pasture/hayfield management practices. Additional duties include organizing and analyzing research data, preparing reports and presentations, supporting extension and outreach events, and conducting laboratory analyses related to feed and forage evaluation.

The position involves use of a P-card and may be renewed on an annual basis, contingent upon continued grant support.

• Work independently
• Cooperative competency
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Competency with equipment operation and the work expected to successfully complete experiments
• Proficiency in research writing, funding acquisition, and proposal development
• Understanding of basic statistical analysis and data management

• Work in various environmental conditions, including extreme hot and cold
• Lift heavy objects
• Driving

Percentage of time: 60%

• Coordinate and implement beef nutrition and forage/grazing research and demonstration trials in alignment with established protocols
• Oversee daily research operations, including data collection, sample collection and processing, animal handling, and overall trial management
• Manage livestock and research resources by selecting and maintaining herds, monitoring herd health, tagging, and making rotational grazing decisions
• Establish and maintain forage systems, including fertilization, spraying, harvesting, and timing of grazing and hay production activities
• Conduct routine scouting and evaluation of pastures and forage systems to inform management decisions and optimize productivity
• Procure and manage materials, supplies, and field inputs necessary for successful research trial execution
• Collect rumen samples and conduct laboratory analyses of feed and forage ingredients to support nutritional evaluation and research objectives

Percentage of time: 30%

• Organize and manage research data within databases; perform statistical analyses; and develop comprehensive written reports, technical summaries, and professional presentations
• Interpret and synthesize research findings to produce clear, data-driven recommendations, contributing to manuscripts, extension publications, progress reports, and other scholarly or outreach materials
• Apply data-driven insights to refine and optimize field and livestock research methods, and document methodology improvements, results, and impacts
• Coordinate field days, tours, and outreach events, including planning agendas, preparing educational materials and presentations, and managing all logistical aspects to ensure effective engagement
• Develop and support research proposals and grant submissions by drafting narrative sections, preparing background and justification materials, compiling required documentation, assisting with budget justification language, and ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and submission requirements
• Process and reconcile purchase card transactions in compliance with University of Georgia financial policies and procedures
• Monitor cardholder activity to maintain adherence to spending limits and policy guidelines
• Prepare and submit monthly reports and reconciliations in a timely manner
• Resolve discrepancies and work with vendors and departments to correct billing issues

Percentage of time: 10%

• Train and supervise graduate students and temporary labor to use field equipment, properly handle livestock, maintain field research areas, and set up and approve work schedules
• Other duties assigned

Recruitment Contact Name:
Andrew Dunn

Recruitment Contact Email: andydunn

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…