Posting Details
Position Details
Posting Number G/R34028P Working Title Research Assistant (Byers Lab) Department Ecology-Odum School of Ecology 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 Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 08/24/2026 Posting Date 07/20/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants 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).
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Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Aiding with field and lab work and analyses of data. Projects include invasive fiddler crab experimentation, oyster reef ecology, collecting a data base of life histories of marine species, and marine parasites to name a few. Aid and assist graduate students, undergraduates, and summer helpers.
Percentage of time 50 Duties/Responsibilities
Travel to Athens, the Whitney Lab, the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, and Sapelo Island and other places on US East coast to help on projects for the lab (mostly in GA, SC, and FL).
Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
Ensuring lab is functioning at maximum efficiency. Duties include keeping supplies in stock, maintaining truck, boat, and trailer.
Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities
Develop and lead offshoot projects that are related to current research foci of the Byers lab.
Percentage of time 15
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Temporary Hourly Professional FLSA Non-Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary
Jeb Byers at the University of Georgia, Odum School of Ecology is hiring a research technician in marine ecology. The focus of this position is to support the functioning of the Byers' lab in Athens and on the Georgia coast. The main base of operation is in Athens, but also includes the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SKIO) in Savannah, Georgia and Sapelo Island. The technician will maintain the running seawater system, the lab, and field work conducted at SKIO and on the Georgia coast. There may be periodic trips to the UGA campus in Athens and to the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, as well as other research sites along the nearby coastline. The technician will help postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students in the Byers lab to conduct field and lab projects, including work on an invasive fiddler crab in southeastern estuaries, the ecology of oyster reefs, the migration of species between marshes and uplands, and parasites of marine arthropods and snails. Some experiments will be initiated and driven by the technician, including an experiment to assess parasites in beach amphipods and the behavior and ecology of Donax surf clams. The technician needs to have strong skills in marine field work, stable isotopes, and ecological experimentation. It is also desirable that the technician propose some of their own ideas for collaborative components that go beyond the scope of grant projects. An integrated background in empirical and theoretical ecology, GIS expertise, math and stats background; natural history knowledge of marine organisms, strong interpersonal skills, and working independently are all important assets. The position will be based out of Athens, but many field sites throughout Georgia and South Carolina are also possible sites of work, including the UGA Skidaway Institute and the Marine Institute on Sapelo Island. More information about the Byers' Lab research can be found at: https://jebyers.ecology.uga.edu/. The position is funded for 12 months, with the possibility for extension, especially through new proposals generated. Potential applicants are encouraged to email (jebyers@uga.edu) for additional information. Start date is negotiable, but ideal timing is late August 2026. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position
BS in a related science discipline; at least 1 year of research or technician experience in an ecology lab.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
An integrated background in empirical and theoretical ecology, strong intellect, GIS expertise, genetics and molecular ecology experience, and strong interpersonal skills are all important assets.
Physical Demands
Some of the physical demands of the job include: lifting or carrying supplies; boat work; bugs, mud, and heat.
Is this a Position of Trust? No 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? 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 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 James Byers Recruitment Contact Email jebyers@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
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Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents