Graduate Research Assistant (DISES)

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:

This transdisciplinary project, funded by NSF's Dynamics of Integrated Socio-Environmental Systems (DISES) program, examines linkages between climate change, land management, landscape, and policy to understand how to sustain small-scale pastoral systems in the French Pyrenees. Pastoral systems cover nearly 60% of the global landmass, and sustaining them is critical to both human livelihoods and ecosystem services. You can learn more about the research and research team our website.

College/Unit/Department website:

www.meredithwelchdevine.com/sustaining-pastoral-systems.

Employment Type: Employee

Anticipated Start Date: 01/01/2027

Posting Date: 10/05/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

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).

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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities:

We are currently in the fourth year of the project and have transcripts for more than 100 interviews conducted with farmers, policymakers, and other important actors in this system. We seek a GRA who can assist with data analysis and publication writing. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding written and oral communication skills in both French and English, have experience collaborating or working as part of a team, and have experience analyzing social science data in Atlas.ti. Candidates with limited experience analyzing social science data and/or using Atlas.ti will be considered. Candidates must be self-motivated and able to work independently, with strong mentorship from project collaborators.

Percentage of time: 100

Classification Title: Graduate Research Assistant

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: .40

Position Summary:

We seek a French-speaking graduate student to join our research team examining the future of Basque pastoralism. This transdisciplinary project, funded by NSF's Dynamics of Integrated Socio-Environmental Systems (DISES) program, examines linkages between climate change, land management, landscape, and policy to understand how to sustain small-scale pastoral systems in the French Pyrenees. Pastoral systems cover nearly 60% of the global landmass, and sustaining them is critical to both human livelihoods and ecosystem services.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

• Pursuing Ph.D. in anthropology, geography, sociology, or other relevant social science field
• Strong qualitative research skills, including experience analyzing semi-structured interviews
• Proficiency in French and English

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Familiarity with Atlas.ti
• Familiarity with agriculture and climate issues in the European Union and the French Pyrenees
• Ability to write clearly, professionally, and persuasively

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?: No

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 Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Dr. Meredith Welch-Devine

Recruitment Contact Email: mwdevine@uga.edu