Assistant Research Scientist in Herpetology

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.

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,
SC29802, xiaoyuxu@UGA. EDU

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2856P

Working Title

Assistant Research Scientist in Herpetology

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

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

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/23/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Augusta Area

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 ( 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 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Researcher AC

FLSA

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).

Additional Requirements

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

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

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

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you possess a valid driver's license?
• No Response
• No
• Yes

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Sample Publications
• Unofficial Transcripts
• List of References with Contact Information
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents