ADS Research Associate-Life Science

About the role

The Research Associate position is housed in the Department of Animal & Dairy Science at the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus. This role is responsible for coordinating and supporting applied research and demonstration activities in beef cattle nutrition and forage/grazing management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement beef nutrition and forage/grazing research and demonstration trials in alignment with established protocols.
• Oversee daily research operations, including data collection, sample collection and processing, animal handling, and overall trial management.
• Manage livestock and research resources by selecting and maintaining herds, monitoring herd health, tagging, and making rotational grazing decisions.
• Establish and maintain forage systems, including fertilization, spraying, harvesting, and timing of grazing and hay production activities.
• Conduct routine scouting and evaluation of pastures and forage systems to inform management decisions and optimize productivity.
• Procure and manage materials, supplies, and field inputs necessary for successful research trial execution.
• Collect rumen samples and conduct laboratory analyses of feed and forage ingredients to support nutritional evaluation and research objectives.
• Organize and manage research data within databases; perform statistical analyses; and develop comprehensive written reports, technical summaries, and professional presentations.
• Interpret and synthesize research findings to produce clear, data-driven recommendations, contributing to manuscripts, extension publications, progress reports, and other scholarly or outreach materials.
• Apply data-driven insights to refine and optimize field and livestock research methods, and document methodology improvements, results, and impacts.
• Cookout field days, tours, and outreach events, including planning agendas, preparing educational materials and presentations, and managing all logistical aspects to ensure effective engagement.
• Develop and support research proposals and grant submissions by drafting narrative sections, preparing background and justification materials, compiling required documentation, assisting with budget justification language, and ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and submission requirements.
• P-Card Responsibilities: Process and reconcile purchase card transactions in compliance with University of Georgia financial policies and procedures. Monitor cardholder activity to maintain adherence to spending limits and policy guidelines. Prepare and submit monthly reports and reconciliations in a timely manner. Resolve discrepancies and work with vendors and departments to correct billing issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience.

Qualifications

• Work independently.
• Cooperative competency.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Competency with equipment operation and the work expected to successfully complete experiments.
• Proficiency in research writing, funding acquisition, and proposal development.
• Understanding of basic statistical analysis and data management.

Skills

• Knowledge of beef cattle nutrition and forage/grazing management.
• Ability to manage livestock and research resources.
• Experience with forage system management.
• Ability to collect and analyze rumen samples.
• Experience with data management and statistical analysis.
• Ability to develop and present research findings.
• Ability to train and supervise graduate students and temporary labor.

Physical Demands

• Work in various environmental conditions including extreme hot and cold.
• Lift heavy objects.
• Drive.

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.

Contact Information

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

Recruitment Contact Name: Andrew Dunn

Recruitment Contact Email: andydunn@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone: