Posting Details

Posting Number

S15772P

Working Title

Research Technician

Department

Franklin-Genetics

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 (https://www.uga.edu/). 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.

About the College/Unit/Department

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia's learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

College/Unit/Department website

https://www.genetics.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

M-F, 8am-5pm. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience up to $40,000

Posting Date

09/16/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

10/05/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy 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@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Research Tech-Life Science I

FLSA

Non-Exempt

FTE

1.0

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a research laboratory environment.
• Experience with molecular biology, genetics, microscopy, or related laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with handling and maintaining model organisms is desirable but not required.

Position Summary

The Research Technician in the Genetics department within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia will support laboratory research activities related to plant biotechnology, tissue culture, molecular biology, and plant phenotyping. This position is responsible for maintaining plant tissue cultures, conducting molecular cloning procedures, assisting with genotyping and phenotyping experiments, and supporting daily laboratory operations. The successful candidate will work independently on assigned projects while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of basic molecular biology and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established protocols.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Physical Demands

• Perform routine laboratory tasks and handling laboratory materials and equipment.
• Work in laboratory and plant growth room environments.
• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting heavy packages

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Plant Tissue Culture

• Establish, maintain, and monitor plant tissue cultures for crop and model plant species.
• Prepare culture media and maintain sterile laboratory techniques.
• Support plant propagation and transformation activities.
• Record and maintain accurate experimental data and culture inventories.

Percentage of time

50

Duties/Responsibilities

Molecular Cloning and Vector Construction

• Design and clone guide RNAs for genome editing applications.
• Construct and validate vectors for plant transformation projects.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including DNA preparation, restriction digestion, ligation, and bacterial transformation.
• Assist with troubleshooting and optimizing cloning procedures.

Percentage of time

20

Duties/Responsibilities

Genotyping and Phenotyping

• Conduct genotyping and phenotyping analyses of plant materials.
• Perform PCR amplification, agarose gel electrophoresis, and related laboratory procedures.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities and results.

Percentage of time

20

Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations and Support

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory and plant growth facility.
• Assist with inventory management and preparation of laboratory supplies.
• Train and mentor undergraduate student workers as assigned.
• Support general laboratory operations and research projects as needed.

Percentage of time

10

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Bob Schmitz

Recruitment Contact Email

schmitz@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents