Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician

Overview

Posting Number: G/R32536P

Working Title: Conservation Genetics Lab and Greenhouse Technician

Department: Warnell-Research

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report.

The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Employment Type: Employee

Anticipated

Start Date:

05/11/2026

Posting Date: 03/26/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EOO Statement: 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).

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• Primary responsibilities will include assisting with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse, inoculating seedlings with the pathogen Lecanosticta acicola responsible for brown spot needle blight (BSNB), and conducting weekly surveys of disease severity and seedling health. (60%)
• Assist in collecting weekly digital scans of roots, and gain experience in using image analysis software. (15%)
• Use LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal conductance). (10%)
• Data entry and general organization. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

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). Primary responsibilities will include assisting with growing pine seedlings in the Whitehall Greenhouse, inoculating seedlings with the pathogen Lecanosticta acicola responsible for brown spot needle blight (BSNB), and conducting weekly surveys of disease severity and seedling health.

They will also assist in collecting weekly digital scans of roots, and gain experience in using image analysis software to investigate how root architecture, growth, and morphology contribute to forest resilience to drought. They will also have the opportunity to gain experience using LICOR and pressure chambers to measure plant physiological traits (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal conductance). Students may also develop a research project of their own related to the above study, which could become a Senior Thesis project.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in…