Part-Time Research Professional - Li Lab

Part‑Time Research Professional – Li Lab

Department: CAES‑Applied Genetic Tech Ctr

Location: Athens Area

Employment Type: Employee – Part Time, 24 hours per week on a consistent schedule.

Estimated Salary: Commensurate with Experience

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

FTE: .60

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a temporary research professional in soybean breeding and genetics. The successful candidate will function as an integral member of a team to conduct soybean breeding and genetics molecular and field experiments. Our research focuses on developing high‑yielding soybean cultivars with herbicide tolerance, enhanced seed composition, insect and pathogen resistance;

exploring QTLs for disease, insect resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and seed composition using genome‑wide association or bi‑parent mapping approaches; identifying markers or haplotypes for precision marker‑assisted selection; employing molecular breeding techniques to pyramid or introgress QTL/genes into elite soybean germplasm; and implementing genomic selection/prediction methodologies to enhance soybean yield. The candidate will be responsible for genotyping, molecular breeding and QTL discovery in the laboratory, developing or implementing phenotyping methods for traits of interest in greenhouse or field settings, analyzing and interpreting data, drawing conclusions, assisting in writing project progress reports, and contributing to the publication of findings in scientific journals.

• Perform statistical analyses of genotypic and phenotypic data (40%)
• Interpret the results
• Write manuscripts, publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals, and assist in writing project progress reports
• Plan and execute experiments to genetically map/confirm QTLs for traits of importance and perform genotyping for molecular breeding (20%)
• Develop phenotyping methods and conduct phenotyping for traits of importance in greenhouse or field environments (20%)
• Engage in field‑based breeding operations, including experimental design, seed packaging, planting envelope layout and planting (20%)

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience.

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics or a related field, demonstrating significant expertise in marker/QTL discovery and molecular breeding. Background in statistical analysis of sequencing, marker, and field data.

• Profound organizational capabilities and attention to detail
• Strong proficiency in written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced team‑oriented environment

• Standing, conducting repetitive work and working at the bench.
• Operate lab instruments and work within a specified timeline for some projects.

Position has access to chemicals and requires Security Access.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. A pre‑employment drug test may be required for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.

Recruitment Contact:
Zenglu Li –
zli

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 at hrweb.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://.