Lab Processing Assistant Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Position Details
Posting Number
G/R26295P
Working Title
Plant Nematology Lab Student Assistant - Mitchum Lab
Department
CAES-Applied Genetic Tech Ctr
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
College/Unit/Department website
Employment Type
Employee
Additional Schedule Information
Must have multi-hour blocks of availability M-F and availability on weekends on a rotational basis to water and care for plants.
Advertised Salary
$14.00
Anticipated Start Date
08/15/2025
Posting Date
07/18/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
If interested, please make contact by email with subject line, PLANT NEMATOLOGY LAB ASSISTANT: Send an email to Melissa Mitchum, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics, melissa.mitchum@uga.edu. Please include a statement of interest, resume including contact information for three references, and a current unofficial transcript.
Location of Vacancy
Athens 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 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.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Assist with planting and processing of germplasm screening for nematode resistance, including labeling tags, packaging and germination of seed, harvesting seed, filling pots with soil, soaking and processing roots for nematode analysis.
Percentage of time
40
Duties/Responsibilities
Assist with lab maintenance and chores, including washing and sterilize pots, stocking supplies, cleaning the lab, disposing of plant material.
Percentage of time
40
Duties/Responsibilities
Assist with plant and/or pathogen care by watering of plants in greenhouses and growth chambers, including short periods on a rotational basis during assigned weekends.
Percentage of time
10
Duties/Responsibilities
Assist with prepping, steaming, and disposal of soil.
Percentage of time
10
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title
Student Assistant
FLSA
Non-Exempt
UGA Job Code
FTE
.50
Minimum Qualifications
Position Summary
The Plant Nematology Lab Assistant position will support laboratory and greenhouse research related to plant diseases and the biology of their causal agents under the direction of a faculty member and/or lab manager/post-docs/graduate students. Duties include, but are not limited to, planting and processing of plants for screening for nematode resistance, including labeling tags, packaging and germination of seed, harvesting seed, filling pots with soil, soaking and processing roots for nematode analysis; assisting with plant and/or nematode care by watering of plants in greenhouses and growth chambers, including short periods on a rotational basis during assigned weekends; assisting with lab maintenance and chores, including washing and sterilize pots, stocking supplies, cleaning the lab, disposing of plant material; assisting with prepping, steaming, and disposal of soil.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position
Prior experience working with plants is desirable, but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Interest in crop/plant science, plant pathology, plant biology, soil science, or a related field who is self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, enthusiastic and eager to learn, manages time well, and is reliable. Excellent verbal communication skills are required.
Physical Demands
Must have multi-hour blocks of availability M-F and availability on weekends on a rotational basis to water and care for plants. Must have the ability stand for prolonged periods of time and work under the warmer temperatures of a greenhouse setting while doing technical tasks.
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?
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
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.
Recruitment Contact Name
Melissa Mitchum
Recruitment Contact Email
Melissa.Mitchum@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts
• List of References with Contact Information