University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory · South Carolina · Full-time · posted today
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 EFT in Instruction, 0.67 EFT in research, 0.11 EFT in Service, and 0.11 EFT 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. Responsibilities: 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 an adjunct professor and 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. Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in an appropriate field (Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, or related field), with demonstrated potential for research. The candidate should have a strong background in herpetology and species conservation, 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. The candidate should have the 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 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. 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. Application: 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 December 1, 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 at ugajobsearch.com/postings/search (posting number F2856P). No paper applications will be accepted. For further questions, please contact Dr. Xiaoyu Xu, Chair, Associate Research Scientist in Herpetology Search Committee, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, xiaoyuxu@uga.edu The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu). The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
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