Assistant Research Scientist - Altizer

Georgia 4-H; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks an Assistant Research Scientist (non-tenure track) in Entomology to lead innovative research on invasive fire ants. This 100% research appointment, funded initially through NSF, aims to advance insect behavior, chemical ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology with laboratory, field, and computational approaches.

The successful candidate will publish widely, secure external funding, and collaborate across departments and partners, strengthening biodiversity

Qualifications

• Terminal degree awarded in the discipline.
• 3-5 years postdoctoral research experience preferred.
• Experience in empirical and quantitative research, including molecular analysis, field sampling, data analysis, and data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain an independent, nationally and internationally recognized research program.
• Develop and oversee lab, field, computational, and quantitative studies.
• Publish high-impact, peer-reviewed manuscripts regularly.
• Secure extramural funding to support the program.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Skills

Empirical skills

Quantitative skills

Molecular analysis

Field sampling

Data visualization

Research design

Mentoring

Education

Terminal degree

Tools

Computational tools

Genomic analysis

Job description

Posting Number:

F2802P

Working Title:

Assistant Research Scientist - Altizer

Department:

CAES-Entomology

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.

Posting Type:

External

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date:

11/01/2026

Job Posting Date:

09/21/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Location of Vacancy:

Athens 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 ([e-mail]).

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.

Classification Title:

Researcher AC

Faculty Rank:

Assistant Research Scientist

Contract Type:

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status:

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications:

Terminal degree awarded in the discipline

Position Summary:

The Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia seeks an Assistant Research Scientist (non-tenure track) to conduct innovative research in insect behavior, chemical ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, with a primary emphasis on invasive fire ants. This is a 100% research appointment initially supported through July 31, 2027, by National Science Foundation award RNSFX000167780A to Drs. Sonia Altizer and Ken Ross. Continued appointment beyond the grant period is expected to be supported through competitive extramural funding secured by the successful candidate.The Assistant Research Scientist is expected to establish and sustain a nationally and internationally recognized, externally funded research program that complements and strengthens existing departmental expertise while expanding interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Georgia and with national and international research partners. Research is expected to integrate laboratory, field, computational, genomic, and quantitative approaches to address fundamental questions in insect behavior, chemical ecology, genetics, and invasive species biology.The successful candidate will publish high-impact, peer-reviewed research; secure competitive external funding to support an independent research program; mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers; and contribute to the research mission of the Department of Entomology. The position will serve as a critical component of the department’s research enterprise by advancing understanding of invasive fire ant biology and fostering collaborations that generate scientific discoveries with applications to biodiversity conservation, invasive species management, and public health in Georgia and beyond.Research activities will be conducted primarily within the Fire Ant Laboratory located in the Riverbend Building, utilizing laboratory space assigned to Dr. Ken Ross under an existing Memorandum of Understanding with the UGA Office of the Vice President for Research. The successful candidate will also have access to personnel, shared equipment, and research facilities supported through other Entomology faculty members.

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

3-5 years postdoctoral research experience is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

Demonstrable capability in empirical and quantitative skills for biological research including molecular analysis, organizing and executing field sampling and experiments, data compilation and analysis, and data visualization are required.
A demonstrated track record in project design, publishing, and obtaining extramural funding, so it cannot be achieved by a research associate or other junior-level researcher. The department seeks applicants with a strong academic record in research and mentoring, particularly in the areas of ant biology, animal behavior, and evolutionary ecology.

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

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 responsibility of this position?:

No

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:

• Establish and sustain an independent, nationally and internationally recognized research program that complements existing strengths within the Department of Entomology.
• Develop innovative research questions; formulate hypotheses; and design rigorous laboratory, field, computational, and quantitative studies to investigate insect behavior, chemical ecology, genetics, and invasive species biology.
• Design, conduct, and oversee research utilizing behavioral, molecular, genomic, ecological, computational, and statistical approaches.
• Collect, manage, analyze, interpret, and disseminate research data from laboratory, field, and meta-analytical studies.
• Develop and apply appropriate computational methods for complex behavioral, ecological, and genetic datasets.
• Prepare and submit competitive proposals to federal agencies and other funding organizations to support and expand the research program.
• Secure competitive extramural funding to sustain the position and support long-term research activities.
• Publish high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts on a regular basis.
• Collaborate with faculty within the Department of Entomology, across the University of Georgia, and with domestic and international collaborators to advance knowledge of insect behavior, chemical ecology, evolutionary genetics, fire ant biology, and management.
• Conduct research that contributes to improved invasive species management, biodiversity conservation, and public health.

Percentage Of Time:

80

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and train graduate and undergraduate students participating in research.
• Serve on graduate student advisory committees and provide scientific and professional mentorship.
• Supervise undergraduate researchers and provide instruction in research methods, experimental design, quantitative analysis, and behavioral biology.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment.

Percentage Of Time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participate actively in professional scientific societies and organizations.
• Present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, collaborators, and stakeholders.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees as appropriate.
• Engage in outreach activities that communicate research findings to scientific, governmental, industry, and public audiences.

Percentage Of Time:

10