Peanut Breeding Program Project Assistant

Posting Details Posting Number: S15440P Working Title: Peanut Breeding Program Project Assistant Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences University: University of Georgia Posting Type: External Employment Type: Employee Benefits Eligibility: Full/Part time Work Schedule: To be set by the supervisor Salary: Commensurate with experience Posting Date: 07/15/2026 Opening Until Filled: Yes Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date: 08/01/2026 Location: Tifton Area Notes: This is a limited‑term appointment expected to end 2 years after the start date. Renewal may occur annually based on grant support and performance. University Information 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 ( UGA ). It is ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with additional campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs about 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. Enrollment exceeds 41,000 students, including over 31,000 undergraduates and more than 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including a newly established School of Medicine. Equal Opportunity 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, nationality, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with accessibility are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ). Position Summary The Peanut Breeding Program Project Assistant provides advanced administrative, operational, and clerical support under the direction of Dr. Bill Branch. The selected individual serves as a key support professional responsible for coordinating daily administrative functions that contribute to the successful operation of a nationally recognized agricultural research program. Responsibilities include managing complex correspondence, maintaining accurate records and data systems, and providing financial operations support, including transactional processing and purchasing card administration. The position also supports research and grant activities through the preparation and coordination of manuscripts, publications, proposals, and related documentation. Primary Responsibilities Manage complex correspondence, maintain accurate records and data systems, provide financial operations support, support research and grant activities, coordinate publication submissions, prepare program materials and reports, maintain confidential records, manage deadlines and priorities to support overall program operations. Major Duty Categories Administrative & Research Support (65%) Provide comprehensive administrative support for the Peanut Breeding Program, including preparation, formatting, proofreading, and submission of manuscripts, journal articles, cultivar registrations, grant proposals, abstracts, reports, correspondence, presentations, and other research‑related materials. Coordinate manuscript submissions through online journal management systems such as Manuscript Central and track submission progress and deadlines. Perform data entry and assist with organizing research data for analysis. Prepare annual plot plans, PowerPoint presentations, and supporting documentation for meetings, presentations, and research activities. Manage and prioritize correspondence, including drafting emails, letters, and other communications on behalf of Dr. Branch. Maintain organized and confidential files, records, and databases in both digital and physical formats. Assist in coordinating schedules, tracking deadlines, and proactively planning upcoming tasks and deliverables to ensure efficient program operations. Identify administrative challenges and recommend solutions that improve workflow efficiency and office operations. Financial, Payroll & Operational Support (30%) Manage day‑to‑day financial and operational activities for assigned faculty and program accounts, including processing payment requests, purchase orders, travel authorizations, expense statements, and related financial documentation in accordance with university policies. Review bi‑weekly payroll and leave requests for accuracy and approval. Maintain and reconcile purchasing card records and supporting documentation for the Peanut Breeding Program. Process deposits and assist with financial tracking and reporting as needed. Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors, phone calls, and general inquiries related to the Peanut Breeding Program. Maintain digital records and administrative documentation and coordinate departmental vehicle mileage reporting to ensure compliance with university reporting requirements. Special Projects & Additional Support (5%) Provide administrative assistance to faculty and the Senior Business Manager on special projects, departmental initiatives, and program activities as assigned. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed in support of the administrative and operational functions of the Peanut Breeding Program. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Excellent organizational skills. Computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365, DocuSign, and PDF editing. Previous experience tracking project budgets and writing project summaries. Physical Demands Work behind a desk for extended periods to complete written reports. Driving to perform job‑related tasks. Other Employment Information 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? 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 (public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? Yes. Credit and Background Checks Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, please visit the UGA Credit Background Check website . Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities. Contact Information Recruitment Contact Name: Tara Riner Recruitment Contact Email: tara.riner@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone: Phone Required Documents Resume/CV Cover Letter List of References with Contact Information Optional Documents Other Documents #1 Other Documents #2 #J-18808-Ljbffr