Post Doc - Ellis

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.

Employment Type: Employee

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date: 01/04/2027

Posting Date: 10/28/2026

Closing Date: 11/27/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Location of Vacancy: Savannah 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

Design and implement research projects focused on YLH distribution, ecological impact, and toxicology. Collect, curate, analyze, and interpret data associated with research projects. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Conduct fieldwork investigating YLH hunting behavior, the efficacy of YLH baits, and potential non-target impacts of bait traps.
• Collect lab measurements on eradicated YLH nests.
• Use spatial tools to determine the habitat suitability for YLH nesting success in the Southeast U.S. and develop a landscape-level risk maps for the potential impacts on pollinators.

Percentage of time: 50

Duties/Responsibilities

Prepare written and oral communication of research findings. Develop multiple papers for scholarly journals, conference presentations, outreach newsletters, social media and other outlets. Present results at internal and external meetings for both scientific and non-technical audiences.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Supervise research technician assigned to assist with YLH research projects.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in research and data analysis methods, developing scientific communication skills, and professional networking.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Assist PI in drafting grant proposals and securing funding for ongoing projects.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Engage in laboratory-related activities, including laboratory meetings, honey bee extension events, and bee-related instructional opportunities.

Percentage of time: 10

Classification Title: Post-Doctoral Associate AD

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Position Summary

The postdoctoral research associate will conduct research in the Department of Entomology under the mentorship of Dr. Jamie Ellis (PI). The UGA Honey Bee Laboratory is seeking a motivated individual to address the challenges posed by the invasive yellow-legged hornet (YLH) to apiculture and native entomofauna. This is a two-year position and will be based in Savannah, Georgia. The successful candidate will independently collect data on YLH behavior and nesting success in the field, often in hot and humid weather, and analyze spatial data to develop risk maps of hornet establishment and impact. Furthermore, the individual will investigate the impact of toxic baits on YLH individuals and colonies. This is a collaborative position, and the successful candidate will work closely with scientists and inspectors at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Clemson University, and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

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

• PhD in entomology, ecology, biology or a related field.
• Experience independently conducting field research and managing technicians and/or staff.
• Experience with statistical analysis in R and spatial analysis using GIS.
• Experience with insect toxicology.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Lift 30 pounds
• Work with stinging insects
• No allergies to bees or stinging insects

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?: 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): 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. Jamie Ellis

Recruitment Contact Email: jdellis@uga.edu