Description
Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director for Research –Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
The University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology 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.
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 and staff, 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, 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.
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. 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.
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory: The successful candidate will be located at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, SC. 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.
Application: 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 December 15, 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/pre-employment basis. The starting date is negotiable but a spring 2027 start date is anticipated. All applicants MUST apply online at ugajobsearch.com/postings/search (posting number F2849P). 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.
Requirements
Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in an appropriate field (biological, ecological, or environmental sciences), with 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 demonstrated administrative experience with personnel, budgets, facilities and funding development. 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.
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).
