Public Service Assistant - Manager, Plant Molecular Diagnostics Lab

Position Summary

The University of Georgia ( UGA ), Tifton Campus, seeks to hire a Public Service Assistant to manage and provide leadership for the Plant Molecular Diagnostics Lab ( MDL ) in the Department of Plant Pathology. This is a fiscal-year non-tenure-track faculty position on UGA’s Public Service Faculty track at a rank comparable to that of assistant professor. The successful applicant will be a member of the UGA Department of Plant Pathology faculty under the direction of the Department Head. He/she will have privileges on par with those afforded tenure-track faculty with the exception of voting on tenure-related matters.

The incoming faculty member will be responsible for the operation and management of the MDL, a fee-for-service testing facility serving the UGA research and Extension community, the Plant Disease Clinics in Tifton and Athens, as well as external clientele. Specific duties include: offering a portfolio of diagnostic assays and antimicrobial resistance screens for plant pathogens based on industry needs and opportunities; developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting of specific assays; managing supplies, budget, and student workers; supervising and mentoring graduate students within the mission of MDL ; procuring of external funding in support of the MDL’s mission in collaboration with other research and Extension scientists in pathogen detection and monitoring programs; participating in externally funded disease surveys; and publishing articles in the peer-reviewed literature and as Extension publications. The appointment split will be 75% Public Service and 25% research. The successful candidate will provide consultation and technical services, conduct applied research, as well as provide training and instruction to Extension faculty and other stakeholders.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin on 15 May 2022; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Sudeep Bag, Chair of the Search Committee ( sudeepbag@uga.edu ). Materials to be uploaded include i) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience relative to the responsibilities of the position, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) graduate-level academic transcripts, iv) vision statement for the use of advanced testing to support university research and Extension programs (uploaded under Other Documents #1), and v) names and contact information of four professional references.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1207P

Working Title

Public Service Assistant - Manager, Plant Molecular Diagnostics Lab

Department

CAES-Plant Pathology

About the University of Georgia

The University of Georgia ( UGA ), a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). UGA is currently ranked among the top 15 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 was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 39,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 9,000 graduate and professional students.

Tifton is a friendly city with a population of approximately 20,000 located along I-75 in south-central Georgia. The city is situated in the heart of one of the leading and most dynamic agricultural areas of the Southeast. UGA’s Tifton Campus is home to approximately 85 UGA faculty and USDA - ARS scientists plus associated graduate students, postdocs, and support staff conducting innovative and team-based research and extension to improve production agriculture in Georgia, the nation, and the world.

About the College/Unit/Department

As one of the largest departments of plant pathology in the U.S., we are recognized internationally for our comprehensive and integrative research and outreach portfolio, spanning basic, translational and applied programs. Our scientists ensure the economic viability of agriculture, the largest sector of Georgia’s economy, and contribute to national and global food security by reducing crop losses. Equally important, our research increases the understanding of basic biology through new discoveries in pathogen biology, resistance genetics and host-pathogen interactions.

College/Unit/Department website

https://plantpath.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Minorities & Females

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2023

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

03/11/2022

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Tifton Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

UGA Statement

PLEASE NOTE : On December 7, 2021, the federal District Court for the Southern District of Georgia issued a preliminary injunction against enforcing the vaccine requirement for
Federal Contractors pending further review. As a result, the requirements of the Executive Order and associated guidance, including the vaccination requirement for covered contractor employees, are currently not in effect.

The University of Georgia is a Federal Contractor as defined by Presidential Executive Order 14042 and subject to the requirement that Federal Contractors must ensure that all covered employees, including those working remotely, are fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. You may be required to show proof of your fully vaccinated status at the time of your start date, or have received a medical or religious exemption from the fully vaccinated requirement at the time of your start date. For more information regarding the Federal Contractor fully vaccinated employment requirement please visit https://coronavirus.uga.edu/executive-order/ or call (706) 542-2222.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Public Service Professional AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Public Service Assistant

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, or related discipline.

Additional Requirements

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Knowledge of and skill in the use of molecular, serological, and other contemporary procedures for detection and/or quantification of plant pathogens, as documented in a scientific publication(s).

Physical Demands

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 responsibility 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Other Documents #1
5. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents