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.
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.
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
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 ( [contact details available in the full listing] ).
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 [contact details available in the full listing] .
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).
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.