Assistant/Associate Research Scientist for Advancing Circular Bioeconomy Systems

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks an Assistant/Associate Research Scientist to advance Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS) within CAES. This non‑tenured track role emphasizes 95% research and 5% service, collaborating across engineering, forestry, sciences, and outreach to build an internationally recognized program.

The incumbent will coordinate external funding proposals, supervise student involvement, and contribute to teaching and outreach while maintaining a leading research program that

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemical/chemical/agricultural/systems engineering, or agricultural science, or qualitative biology with strong modeling experience.
• Evidence of expertise in biophysical modeling, lifecycle analysis, big data, building digital twins, and AI techniques.
• Postdoctoral training and a strong publication record are preferred.
• Experience crafting interdisciplinary grant proposals for external funding is favored.

Responsibilities

• Develop biophysical models and work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate and lead in building holistic biosystems, ecosystems, and socio‑economic models for CBS goals.
• Identify critical knowledge, techniques, and skills needed to address challenges.
• Determine priority actions for meeting short and long‑term CBS goals.
• Develop methods to prototype and extend innovation for adoption by users.

Skills

Biophysical modeling

Life‑cycle analysis

Big data

Digital twins

AI techniques

Interpersonal communications

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in biochemical/chemical/agricultural/systems engineering or agricultural science or qualitative biology

Job description

Title

Assistant/Associate Research Scientist for Advancing Circular Bioeconomy Systems

Location

Athens Area

Position Summary

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at the University of Georgia seeks to recruit an Assistant or Associate Research Scientist to work on the Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS) initiative. This is a non‑tenured track position with 95% research and 5% service responsibility. The position will be housed in the UGA CAES; however, the incumbent will be expected to work closely with faculty in the multidisciplinary teams from Colleges/Schools of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Resources, Arts and Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, and others. The candidate is expected to maintain an internationally renowned research program that produces and publishes work recognized and used by researchers and stakeholders around the world. The incumbent will report to the office of the CAES Associate Dean of Research. The incumbent will coordinate and draft proposals for external funding to support the CBS initiative. Although this position is predominantly a research appointment, the person will interact with undergraduate/graduate students and stakeholders, and contribute to teaching and outreach mission of the University.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in biochemical/chemical/agricultural/systems engineering, or agricultural science, or qualitative biology or equivalent with strong background and proven success in modeling biophysical systems is required.

Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

The chosen candidate will be expected to show evidence of expertise in biophysical modeling, life‑cycle‑analysis, big data, building digital twins, and latest modeling and AI techniques. Candidates with postdoctoral training and a strong publication record will be preferred. Internship / hands‑on skills in biosystems industries and proficiency in preparing interdisciplinary grant proposals for external funding will be favored.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

The incumbent should be knowledgeable of the systems that produce biomass on land, and in water and controlled environmental systems, and scientific and technical processes that use biomass as feedstock for synthesizing materials, chemical and products for human needs. They should possess excellent inter‑personal skills to aid collaboration and build consensus. The successful candidate will have excellent skills in written and oral communications and traits required to successfully work with multidisciplinary teams.

Duties / Responsibilities

1. Develop biophysical models and work with multidisciplinary teams.
2. Coordinate and lead in building holistic, integrated biosystems, ecosystems, and socio‑economic system models for identifying grand challenges in advancing sustainable circular bioeconomy systems.
3. Identify critical knowledge, techniques, and skills needed for addressing the challenges.
4. Determine priority actions for meeting short and long‑term CBS goals.
5. Develop methods to prototype and extend innovation for adoption by users.

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 ([e-mail]).