"Avian Diagnostic Microbiologist"

Position Summary

The University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the field of Avian Microbiology. Service, research and teaching responsibilities are associated with this position. The candidate will head the avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostic section in the Diagnostic Laboratory at the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center (PDRC) which provides diagnostic service to the local and national poultry industry. The position will have emphasis on diagnostic service and applied research toward development and validation of novel diagnostic assays and platforms.

The candidate will be also be expected to initiate or collaborate in research related to poultry diseases and provide instruction on avian microbiology to graduate students including those in the Master of Avian Medicine (MAM) and online Master of Avian Health and Medicine (MAHM) degree programs. In addition, the faculty member is expected to work well as a team member and collaborate within the department providing support to clinical faculty and field veterinarians with the aim of solving problems in the poultry industry.

Rank, salary, and terms of appointment will be dependent upon qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants are asked to submit applications via UGAJobs along with the following: (1) a detailed curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s interests and potential as an avian microbiology diagnostician, immediate and long-term goals to improve microbiology diagnostic services, research interests, and teaching philosophy (maximum 3 pages); (3) the names, titles, and contact information for three professional references.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to: Dr. Naola Ferguson-Noel (naolaf@uga.edu)

All application materials must be received by September 15, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. As required by University of Georgia policy, the successful candidate will be subject to background investigation.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2417P
Working Title: Avian Diagnostic Microbiologist
Department: VetMed-Poultry Diagnos & Rsch
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Anticipated Start Date: 01/01/2026
Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Position Information

Classification Title: Open Rank
Faculty Rank: Open Rank (Tenure Track)
Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in diagnostic/clinical microbiology, epidemiology and ecology of infectious disease.

Additional Requirements

Tenure Track Assistant Professor Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD in microbiology as it relates to animal health, or a related discipline.
Tenure Track Associate Professor Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD in microbiology as it relates to animal health, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5-years of experience in rank at the Assistant Professor level before the start date.

Guidelines for the Appointment, Promotion, & Tenure of Academic Rank Faculty can be found here. Discipline-specific criteria and procedures for promotion and tenure can be found at: here.

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

• Preference will be given to candidates with a DVM or equivalent degree and with 1-2 years of experience working in a diagnostic laboratory.
• Candidates with board certification with the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists or American College of Poultry Veterinarians or equivalent, or eligibility to take the board examination would be preferred.
• Two years of postdoctoral experience or equivalent in the field of avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostics before the start date is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge: Avian microbiology, classic and molecular diagnostic bacteriology/mycology methods, next generation approaches to microbiology, poultry production, diseases of poultry, and food safety.
• Skills: Oral and written communication, leadership, analytical, service.
• Abilities: Problem solving, perseverance, commitment to service, scientific curiosity, team member, supervisor.

Duties/Responsibilities

1. Serve as the Head of the avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostic section of the Diagnostic Laboratory at PDRC. Responsible for maintaining a functional and competent avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostic laboratory, providing high quality and timely results, and supervising members of the laboratory.
2. Perform research in avian microbiology.
3. Teach graduate students in the MAM, MAHM, MS, and PhD programs.