Assistant Research Scientist in Herpetology

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

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.

College/Unit/Department website: srel.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date: 01/01/2027

Job Posting Date: 10/23/2026

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 22, 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 desired. All applicants MUST apply online. No paper applications will be accepted. For further questions, please contact Dr. XIAOYU XU, Chair, Assistant Research Scientist in Herpetology Search Committee, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, xiaoyuxu@uga.edu

Location of Vacancy: Augusta Area

Classification

Classification Title: Researcher AC

Faculty Rank: Assistant Research Scientist

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in an appropriate field (Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, or related field).

Position Summary

The University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology (SREL) invites applications for an Academic-Year (9-month) position as an Assistant Research Scientist. 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 0.11 FTE in Instruction, 0.67 FTE in research, 0.11 FTE in Service, and 0.11 FTE in Program Administration. Funding for this position will be provided by SREL, which is supported in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy, and the University of Georgia Research Institute, a research unit focused on enhancing UGA’s relationships with federal mission driven agencies.

The successful candidate is expected to develop an extramurally funded and internationally recognized research program focused in herpetology, with focal disciplinary expertise in ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, risk assessment, and conservation. The successful candidate will be expected to serve as courtesy faculty and a member of the graduate faculty in an applicable department or school at UGA and will be involved in graduate instruction via 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. The successful candidate also will be expected to maintain a research program that complies with all applicable regulatory and reporting requirements pertinent to the Savannah River Site, state, and federal regulations. Must possess a valid drivers license.

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

Applicants must have a . The candidate should have a , as well as demonstrated expertise in ecophysiology and ecotoxicology and a broad understanding of risk assessment as related to the biotic fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. Preference will be given to candidates having a record of excellence in research and service commensurate with time since degree, and postdoctoral experience is highly desired. Past funding success with federal mission agencies such as SERDP and DOE is preferred. Applicants with expertise in ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, and risk assessment in turtles and snakes are especially encouraged to apply.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of research methods in ecophysiology and ecotoxicology
• Knowledge of conservation concerns for reptiles
• Knowledge of statistical analyses for ecotoxicological risk assessment
• Technical and Laboratory skills needed to conduct field and laboratory studies on reptiles
• Technical writing skills for publication of manuscripts in the peer reviewed scientific literature
• Technical skills in project development and management
• Technical skills in grant writing for acquisition of external funding to support research efforts, graduate students, and technical staff
• Critical thinking ability for identification of complex problems, formation of research hypotheses, and development of innovative research studies and experiments
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly both in writing and verbally
• Ability to collaborate productively within multidisciplinary teams and as a mentor to graduate students and technical research staff
• Demonstrated potential for research
• Strong background in herpetology and species conservation
• Demonstrated expertise in ecophysiology and ecotoxicology
• Broad understanding of risk assessment as related to the biotic fate and transport of contaminants in the environment
• Ability to interact with colleagues from a diversity of disciplines on the development of research proposals related to the conservation of reptile species as well as to the quantification of the physiological and toxicological risks of contaminant exposure in reptiles

Preference will be given to candidates having a record of excellence in research and service commensurate with time since degree, and postdoctoral work is highly desired. Past funding success with federal mission agencies such as SERDP and DOE is preferred. Applicants with expertise in ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, and risk assessment in turtles and snakes are especially encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands

Lift 50 pounds

Position Details

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): Yes

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

Develop a well funded, productive research program that leads to the development of successful grant proposals, publication of peer reviewed journal articles, and advisement and successful communication of research results to stakeholders and the general public.

Percentage Of Time: 67

Develop a funded research program that involves advising and mentoring of graduate students leading to successful completion of graduate degree programs and publication of research results

Percentage Of Time: 11

Engage in service to SREL, UGA, professional scientific societies, and similar entities that enhances scientific reputation and professional development as a research scientist and faculty member at SREL.

Percentage Of Time: 11

Operate a research and graduate education program that complies with all regulatory compliance requirements mandated by applicable state, federal and university sources. Perform administrative tasks associated with permitting, regulatory compliance, and reporting in a timely manner that meets established deadlines as applicable. Operate a graduate advising program that meets the expectations and deadlines for degree granting units on the main UGA campus in a timely manner. Perform all required supervisory tasks as required by UGA pertinent to hiring, disciplinary actions, annual reviews, and other related tasks as mandated by UGA policies and in a timely manner.

Percentage Of Time: 11