Horticultural Graduate Research Assistant-McAvoy

University of Georgia

University of Georgia

Athens, GA, USA
Posted on Apr 12, 2025

Posting Details

Position Details
Posting Number G/R15545P
Working Title Horticultural Graduate Research Assistant-McAvoy
Department CAES-Horticulture
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Employment Type Employee
Additional Schedule Information
Advertised Salary
Anticipated Start Date 01/04/2022
Posting Date 11/17/2021
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in this opportunity. Review the UGA graduate admissions page and then send an email to Dr. Ted McAvoy (ted.mcavoy@uga.edu) with the following information:
• Summary of relevant coursework, work, and/or research experience
• A Curriculum Vitae
Location of Vacancy Tifton 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@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 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://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Course Work
Percentage of time 30
Duties/Responsibilities
Trial Work
Percentage of time 30
Duties/Responsibilities
Writing dissertation, scientific articles and presenting at meetings
Percentage of time 30
Duties/Responsibilities
Assist with other projects as needed
Percentage of time 10

Position Details

Position Information
Classification Title Graduate Research Assistant
FLSA Exempt
UGA Job Code
FTE 0.325
Minimum Qualifications
Position Summary
The University of Georgia is seeking a qualified individual to pursue a doctoral degree in Horticulture. This position is primarily located in Tifton, GA and will provide financial support through a graduate research assistantship (tuition waiver, health insurance, and annual stipend). Research will focus on managing whitefly and whitefly transmitted viruses in tomato, squash, and green beans. The student will be expected to conduct field trial germplasm screenings in these crops for resistance to tomato yellow leaf curl virus and cucurbit leaf crumple virus. In addition, the individual would collect virus samples in commercial vegetable fields throughout Georgia to identify virus strains and virus complexes. The last scope of the project would identify weeds that serve as alternative hosts to whitefly transmitted viruses in vegetable crops. Ideally the position will begin Spring 2022, but no later than summer 2022.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position
Master’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, virology or closely related plant science fields.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Physical Demands
Driving.
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
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
Is driving a requirement of this position? Yes
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) Yes
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.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. For assistance with your application or login, please email hrweb@uga.edu.
Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Ted McAvoy
Recruitment Contact Email ted.mcavoy@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter