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Research Professional - Microgin, Tifton

University of Georgia

University of Georgia

Athens, GA, USA
Posted on Jun 19, 2025
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Posting Details

Posting Details
Posting Number S13742P
Working Title Research Professional - Microgin, Tifton
Department CAES-Tifton Campus
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
In 2018, The UGA Tifton Campus began a yearlong Centennial celebration with various events to commemorate its 100th anniversary of providing updated research to the community.

Research is done on a wide range of commodities, including cotton, peanuts, vegetables and turf grass, all of which make agriculture the No. 1 industry in Georgia.

In 2004, a teaching program was initiated and it has been growing ever since. College level instruction on campus is aimed at undergraduate and graduate-degree level study.
College/Unit/Department website http://www.caes.uga.edu/campuses/tifton.html
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information
Work schedule will be determined by supervisor
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date 06/18/2025
Open until filled Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date 07/07/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is located in Tifton, GA, which is approximately 200 miles southwest of
Athens, Georgia, 200 miles south of Atlanta, GA and approximately 70 miles north of the Florida line.
Location of Vacancy Tifton 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 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.
Position Information
Classification Title Research Professional AD
FLSA Exempt
FTE 1.00
Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree is preferred; however, will consider a combination of a Bachelor’s degree and a suitable combination of mechanical aptitude and relevant experience.
Position Summary
Position is located on the Tifton Campus and provides support for the UGA Cotton Microgin (50 percent), which supports a multidisciplinary collection of Research and Extension faculty working cooperatively to meet the needs of the Georgia cotton industry. Specific responsibilities pertain to managing the day to day operations of the UGA Microgin, maintenance and design of equipment at the UGA Microgin, and supporting the core mission of the UGA Cotton Team. The main duties of this position include communicating with investigators as to appropriate sample collection procedures, on-site management of seed cotton and lint samples, proper equipment setup, operation and maintenance, work scheduling and labor management, and data collection. Duties will also include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Determining deficiencies and needs of the overall gin plant and facility, 2) Conducting routine maintenance and upkeep of equipment, coordinating major repairs with private contractors, and working with the UGA Microgin Committee to improve basic design and operation of the gin, and 3) Coordinating and assisting with outreach opportunities including on-site tours and regional/national gin education and training sessions.
This position will also provide research support to the Cotton Team under the direction of Dr. Phillip Roberts. This position will play a key role in planning, designing, and implementing field and laboratory studies. Specific duties will include overseeing land preparation, establishment and maintenance of field trials, data collection, and harvest. The position is based at the UGA Tifton Campus, but travel to various counties of the state of Georgia may be expected to effectively coordinate multi-location studies. Thus, the person is expected to have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate and haul farm equipment when needed, as well as maintaining research instrumentation and farm implements.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
  • Good organizational skills
  • Ability to collect and manage large sets of data
  • Ability to coordinate and communicate with clientele
  • Proficient with computer technology such as email programs and Excel
  • Highly motivated, a self-starter, and a detail oriented person
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to operate heavy equipment
  • Willingness to attend trainings and workshops which will include out-of-state overnight trips.
Physical Demands
  • Lifting
  • Bending
  • Squatting
  • Driving
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? Yes
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) Yes
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
Planning, designing, and implementing field and laboratory studies.
This position will provide research support to the Cotton Team under the direction of Dr. Phillip Roberts. The position is based at the UGA Tifton Campus, but travel to various counties of the state of Georgia may be expected to effectively coordinate multi-location studies.

This position will play a key role in planning, designing, and implementing field and laboratory studies. Specific duties will include:
  • Overseeing land preparation
  • Establishment and maintenance of field trials
  • Data collection
  • Harvesting
  • Operate and haul farm equipment
  • Maintain research instrumentation and farm implements
Percentage of time 50
Duties/Responsibilities
Coordination and Ginning
  • Coordinate collection, storage, and processing of seedcotton samples from field research trials. Seedcotton samples will be received periodically from September thru December from numerous trials and researchers and samples must be organized and stored in an orderly fashion until processed.
  • Ginning of samples and collection of fiber and seed data will occur from October-March (depending upon number of samples received).
  • Coordinate fiber classing of lint samples with the USDA Cotton Classing Office in Macon and/or other entities and summarize and distribute all relevant data per protocol to cooperating faculty. Conduct routine maintenance and upkeep of equipment, minor repair of ginning equipment, and coordinating major repairs with private contractors.
  • Supervision of 4-6 student workers who assists with sample processing.

P-Card Duties
  • Serve as a department P-card holder.
  • Submit pre-approvals to appropriate approvers
  • Complete purchase transactions
  • Perform allocations and attach receipts in Works
  • Reconcile monthly statements at the end of the billing cycle
  • Upload reconciliation packet to Procurement
Percentage of time 25
Duties/Responsibilities
Professional Development and Outreach
  • Professional development is an important part of this position. The person in this role will be expected to successfully complete Levels I-III of the National Cotton Ginners Association Gin School and participate in continuing education opportunities. Additional development opportunities include participation in the Beltwide Cotton Conferences. Coordinate and assist with outreach programs including on-site tours, regional/national gin education and training sessions with industry and stakeholder groups.
  • Expand and implement outreach opportunities associated with the UGA Microgin to include curriculum development for experiential learning activities related directly to the production, processing, and consumerism of cotton. The curriculum should be developed through partnerships with key educational contacts (i.e. UGA Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication Department, GA Ag Ed teachers, GA DOE Ag Ed Area teachers, etc.) and be aligned with both GA Performance Standards and National Education Standards.
Percentage of time 20
Duties/Responsibilities
Miscellaneous
  • Other duties as assigned
Percentage of time 5

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 Dr. Phillip Roberts
Recruitment Contact Email proberts@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
  3. List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
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