Research Associate Life Science II

Posting Details

Posting Number: S14822P

Working Title:

Research Associate Life Science II

Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

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 (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). 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.

Classification

Title:

Res Associate-Life Science II

FLSA:
Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.

• PhD degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting field‑ and laboratory‑based soil fertility or nutrient management research.
• Experience with applied agricultural research, data management, and interpretation of soil and plant analytical results.
• Experience working with extension, grower, or stakeholder‑facing programs is preferred.

The position supports applied research and extension activities focused on soil fertility, nutrient management, and soil health in Georgia’s major agronomic crops. The Research Associate will independently design and coordinate field and laboratory‑based research activities, manage soil and plant sampling protocols, ensure data quality, and analyze and interpret results to support science‑based recommendations. In addition to research responsibilities, the position plays a key role in translating findings into extension outputs, including publications, presentations, and decision‑support materials for growers, extension agents, and industry partners.

The position also contributes substantially to the development of external grant proposals by generating preliminary data, drafting technical content, and aligning research objectives with funding priorities. This role includes regular collaboration across research, extension, and stakeholder networks and represents the soil fertility program in professional and public‑facing settings.

• Advanced knowledge of soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and soil management principles in agronomic cropping systems.
• Ability to independently design, implement, and troubleshoot research protocols across multiple locations and cropping systems.
• Strong analytical skills, including data quality control, statistical interpretation, and synthesis of research results.
• Ability to integrate research findings into practical recommendations and extension materials.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for scientific, extension, and stakeholder audiences.

• Work extended hours in field settings under hot and humid conditions.
• Travel long distances occasionally.
• Lifting and handling of field equipment.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

60% of time:

• Conduct literature reviews and analyze current research findings on plant nutrition, soil fertility, and nutrient management best practices.
• Develop user‑friendly extension and outreach materials—including fact sheets, presentations, infographics, and digital content—to communicate scientific information to growers, educators, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with faculty, specialists, and field agents to translate research data into practical recommendations for agricultural producers.
• Collect, organize, and summarize field trial results to support evidence‑based…