Associate Director-Research

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 ( 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

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.

• The candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of administrative

experience demonstrated with personnel, budgets, facilities and
funding development.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or
Competencies

• The candidate should have the ability to interact with

colleagues from a diversity of disciplines on the planning,
logistics, infrastructure, and implementation of research programs
conducted by the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory faculty.

• Preference will be given to candidates who have an

administrative background within or in close interface with federal
research programs, including the development and administration of
multi-year Cooperative Agreements with federal partners.

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and concepts of

research administration.

• Knowledge of basic personnel management and evidence of

supervisory skills.

• Critical thinking skills including process improvement and

basic knowledge of strategic planning for research programs.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working

relationships with SREL faculty staff, Savannah River Site
Contractors, NNSA, DOE, and the general public.

• Previous administrative role(s) within or in close interface

with federal research programs and prior role(s) with the
development and administration of multi-year Cooperative Agreements
with federal partners.

• Practice good stewardship regarding federal and university

resources.

• Ability to serve as a mentor to graduate students through

service on graduate student committees or as co-advisor of graduate
student thesis or dissertation research.

• Ability to contribute to the development and preparation of

scientific manuscript as a subject matter expert in research
efforts pertinent to scientific disciplines relevant to SREL

• Ability to work with funding agencies to develop research

funding opportunities for SREL faculty, staff, and students.

Physical Demands

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)

No

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

Administrative Responsibilities : The successful candidate
will serve as Associate Director for Research for the Savannah
River Ecology Laboratory and will support the SREL Director in a
variety of administrative duties, including: Development of
external funding opportunities for faculty, staff and graduate
students, strategic planning for development of facilities and
equipment to support ongoing and new research initiatives at SREL,
supervision and evaluation of research professionals, support
staff, and other positions related to supporting the research
mission of SREL, and development and updating of policies and
procedures governing SREL’s compliance with DOE, UGA, and other
applicable regulatory entities related to SREL’s research mission,
assisting with the compilation and writing of annual reports to
DOE, UGA, or other applicable entities, budget development, and
other duties as assigned. The successful candidate will also assist
the SREL Director with oversight of DOE funded research programs
including but not limited to timely reporting, staff oversight,
research accountability, student success, and attention to DOE,
regulatory and university requirements. In addition, the successful
candidate will provide oversight and optimization of all internal
SREL processes for safety, reporting, regulatory oversight,
onboarding and offboarding, Savannah River Site interfaces, and
general business processes as needed.

Percentage Of Time

85

Duties/Responsibilities

Research Responsibilities : The successful candidate is
expected to serve as an adjunct professor and member of the
graduate faculty in an appropriate department or school at UGA and
will be involved in graduate education via co-advising of graduate
students and service on graduate student committees. These efforts
will include participation in research development and publication
as required through participation with graduate student
research.

Percentage Of Time

10

Duties/Responsibilities

Service: 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.

Percentage Of Time

5

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