Associate Director-Research

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number F2849P Working Title Associate Director-Research Department VPR-Savannah River Ecology Lab 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

The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory is a research unit of the University of Georgia located on the 300 mi2 Savannah River Site, a Department of Energy facility near Aiken, SC. With a staff of over 200 faculty members, postdocs, research professionals, technicians, and graduate students, the laboratory pursues basic and applied research at multiple levels of ecological organization, from atoms to ecosystems. SREL also provides opportunities for graduate and undergraduate research training, and service to the community through environmental outreach. Throughout its 75+ year history SREL has strived to acquire and communicate knowledge that contributes to sound ecological stewardship.

College/Unit/Department website srel.uga.edu Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 12/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 10/19/2026 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts of all college-level work, copies of up to three recent relevant publications, and contact information for three references. Review of complete applications will begin on November 18, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Individuals considered for potential interviews will be required to submit official college transcripts and three reference letters.

University policy requires all candidates to consent to a background investigation (www.hr.uga.edu). Finalists will be required to provide a signed consent form authorizing the University to conduct a background check. The background investigation will be conducted on a post offer/preemployment basis. The starting date is negotiable but a spring 2027 start date is anticipated. All applicants MUST apply online. No paper applications will be accepted. For further questions, please contact Dr. Olin E. Rhodes, Jr., Chair, Associate Director for Research Search Committee, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802.

Location of Vacancy Outside Georgia EEO 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.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Assoc/Asst Dept Chair/Director/Head AC FLSA Faculty Rank Senior Research Scientist Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in an appropriate field (biological, ecological, or environmental sciences).

Position Summary

The University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory invites applications for a fiscal-year (12-month) position as a Senior Research Scientist with a primarily administrative appointment as an Associate Director for Research. The successful applicant will be located at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, S.C. and will report to the Director of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. This position will be 0.85 EFT in administration, 0.10 EFT in research, and 0.05 EFT service.

This position is intended to provide administrative support to the Director of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) for meeting contractual obligations to the Department of Energy in providing research and education activities in the general areas of environmental characterization, ecological risk assessment, environmental stewardship and environmental remediation and restoration. This is a highly responsible supervisory position requiring oversight of SREL technical research staff, evaluation of research infrastructure and equipment needs, development and pursuit of research funding opportunities, evaluation and revision of SREL policies, and strategic planning for SREL research programs. This position will be responsible for assisting the Director of SREL with management and growth of the SREL research programs, including service as a liaison to DOE, the SRS site contractors and various administrative units on the main UGA campus for the achievement of specific tasks. This position also will provide support to the Director of SREL, both as the Assistant Director for SREL Research Programs as well as a member of the SREL Management Team.

Additional Requirements

Ph.D. degree and 10 years of experience in research administration or similar activities.

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

• A record of sustained research productivity and evidence of excellence in research administration commensurate with time since degree.
• The candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of administrative experience demonstrated with personnel, budgets, facilities and funding development.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• The candidate should have the ability to interact with colleagues from a diversity of disciplines on the planning, logistics, infrastructure, and implementation of research programs conducted by the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory faculty.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have an administrative background within or in close interface with federal research programs, including the development and administration of multi-year Cooperative Agreements with federal partners.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and concepts of research administration.
• Knowledge of basic personnel management and evidence of supervisory skills.
• Critical thinking skills including process improvement and basic knowledge of strategic planning for research programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with SREL faculty staff, Savannah River Site Contractors, NNSA, DOE, and the general public.
• Previous administrative role(s) within or in close interface with federal research programs and prior role(s) with the development and administration of multi-year Cooperative Agreements with federal partners.
• Practice good stewardship regarding federal and university resources.
• Ability to serve as a mentor to graduate students through service on graduate student committees or as co-advisor of graduate student thesis or dissertation research.
• Ability to contribute to the development and preparation of scientific manuscript as a subject matter expert in research efforts pertinent to scientific disciplines relevant to SREL
• Ability to work with funding agencies to develop research funding opportunities for SREL faculty, staff, and students.

Physical Demands 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 Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes 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) No 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

Administrative Responsibilities: The successful candidate will serve as Associate Director for Research for the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and will support the SREL Director in a variety of administrative duties, including: Development of external funding opportunities for faculty, staff and graduate students, strategic planning for development of facilities and equipment to support ongoing and new research initiatives at SREL, supervision and evaluation of research professionals, support staff, and other positions related to supporting the research mission of SREL, and development and updating of policies and procedures governing SREL's compliance with DOE, UGA, and other applicable regulatory entities related to SREL's research mission, assisting with the compilation and writing of annual reports to DOE, UGA, or other applicable entities, budget development, and other duties as assigned. The successful candidate will also assist the SREL Director with oversight of DOE funded research programs including but not limited to timely reporting, staff oversight, research accountability, student success, and attention to DOE, regulatory and university requirements. In addition, the successful candidate will provide oversight and optimization of all internal SREL processes for safety, reporting, regulatory oversight, onboarding and offboarding, Savannah River Site interfaces, and general business processes as needed.

Percentage Of Time 85 Duties/Responsibilities

Research Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to serve as an adjunct professor and member of the graduate faculty in an appropriate department or school at UGA and will be involved in graduate education via co-advising of graduate students and service on graduate student committees. These efforts will include participation in research development and publication as required through participation with graduate student research.

Percentage Of Time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Service: Professional service to groups such as state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, professional societies, and the public also is expected as is significant interaction with colleagues and students in other disciplines represented at SREL, UGA, and the broader academic community.

Percentage Of Time 5

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you possess a valid driver's license?
• No Response
• No
• Yes

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Sample Publications
• Unofficial Transcripts
• List of References with Contact Information
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents