Research Professional-Nankar

Position Summary

This position will have significant responsibility and involvement in the design, management, and interpretation of field research trials within the Department of Horticulture’s Vegetable Breeding Program. The successful candidate will oversee vegetable breeding field and greenhouse research, independently planning, supervising, and conducting experiments, maintaining detailed crop management records, and collecting and analyzing data. PCARD.

This includes overseeing all aspects of field preparation and crop production for vegetable breeding trials.

Responsibilities include:

• Field Preparation: Coordinating land preparation activities such as tillage, bed formation, irrigation setup, and soil amendments to ensure optimal conditions for planting.
• Crop Management: Implementing and monitoring crop care practices including planting, fertilization, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease management, and overall crop health maintenance throughout the growing season.
• Harvest Operations: Planning and supervising harvest activities to ensure accurate timing and proper handling of crops for research integrity.
• Data Collection: Recording detailed observations and measurements on plant growth, yield, quality traits, and other relevant parameters; ensuring data accuracy and completeness for research analysis.

Percentage of time: 60%

Responsible for all greenhouse operations supporting vegetable breeding research.

Duties include:

• Environmental Control: Monitoring and adjusting temperature, humidity, light, and irrigation systems to maintain optimal growing conditions for diverse vegetable crops.
• Crop Production: Planning and executing greenhouse planting schedules, transplanting seedlings, and managing crop growth stages to ensure healthy plants for breeding trials.
• Pest and Disease Management: Implementing integrated pest management strategies and maintaining sanitation protocols to prevent infestations and diseases.
• Pollination and Breeding
  
  Activities:
  
  Coordinating controlled pollinations, seed collection, and other breeding tasks essential for research objectives.
• Record Keeping and Data Collection: Maintaining detailed logs of greenhouse activities, crop performance, and environmental conditions; collecting data for research analysis.
• Equipment and Safety Oversight: Ensuring proper maintenance of greenhouse equipment and adherence to safety standards.

Percentage of time: 25%

This responsibility encompasses ensuring operational efficiency and resource availability for vegetable breeding research.

Duties include:

• Field Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine inspections, troubleshooting, and coordinating repairs for tractors, planters, irrigation systems, and other specialized research equipment to ensure reliability and safety.
• Inventory Management: Tracking and organizing supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, and tools; maintaining accurate inventory records to prevent shortages or overstocking.
• Data Entry and Documentation: Recording equipment usage, maintenance logs, and inventory updates in digital systems for accountability and reporting purposes.
• Resource Forecasting: Anticipating seasonal and project‑specific needs for materials, labor, and equipment; developing procurement plans to support research timelines.
• Purchasing Coordination: Initiating and managing purchase requests for supplies and equipment, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and budget constraints.

Percentage of time: 10%

Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time: 5%

• Lift 50 pounds
• Work in hot and humid field conditions during summer months and cold field conditions during winter months
• Stand for long periods of time
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks

Yes

Yes

Yes

Recruitment Contact:
Amol Nankar

Email: amolnankar

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).