Assistant Research Scientist - Ellis

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA, seeks an Assistant Research Scientist (non-tenure track) to conduct innovative research in wild honey bee ecology and conservation. This is a 100% research appointment initially through 06/30/2029, with continuation contingent on external funding.

The successful candidate will establish an internationally recognized program, publish in high-impact journals, mentor students, and expand interdisciplinary collaborations across the university and global

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in the appropriate discipline (entomology, ecology, or related field).
• Experience integrating bioinformatics, population genetics and geospatial analysis in research.
• Background in honey bee ecology or related ecosystem studies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain an independent externally funded research program.
• Publish high-impact, peer-reviewed work and mentor graduate/undergraduate researchers.
• Collaborate across departments and with global partners to advance honey bee ecology.
• Lead data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings; travel as needed.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Population genetics

Geospatial analysis

Field and lab studies

Education

Terminal degree

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2876P

Working Title: Assistant Research Scientist - Ellis

Department: CAES-Entomology

Posting Type: External

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Employment Type: Employee

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date: 01/04/2027

Job Posting Date: 11/09/2026

Open until filled: Yes

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.

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.

Position Details

Classification Title: Researcher AC

Faculty Rank: Assistant Research Scientist

Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: A terminal degree in the appropriate 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 wild and free-living honey bee ecology and conservation. This is a 100% research appointment initially supported through June 30, 2029. Continued appointment beyond this initial period is contingent upon competitive extramural funding secured by the successful candidate.

The Assistant Research Scientist will establish and sustain a nationally and internationally recognized, externally funded research program that complements existing departmental expertise while expanding interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Georgia and with global research partners. The ideal candidate will bridge the disciplines of entomology, ecology, ecosystem sciences, and conservation.

The successful candidate will publish high-impact, peer-reviewed research, secure competitive external funding, mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers, and actively contribute to the department's research mission. This position serves as a critical component of the department's research enterprise by advancing our understanding of the ecological and ecosystem contributions of wild honey bees to natural and managed landscapes.

Research activities will be conducted primarily within the Honey Bee Laboratory (HBL) located at the J. Phil Campbell Research and Education Center near Watkinsville, GA. The successful candidate will have access to HBL personnel, shared equipment, and core service laboratories maintained at the University of Georgia. Domestic and international travel is expected.

Additional Requirements

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: We prefer a candidate whose fundamental research integrates bioinformatics, population genetics, geospatial analysis, and wild honey bee ecology into field- and laboratory-based studies.

Position Requirements

• 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? 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.

Research

Percentage Of Time: 80

• Program Leadership: Establish and sustain an independent, nationally, and internationally recognized research program that complements existing strengths within the Department of Entomology.
• Experimental Design: Develop innovative research questions, formulate hypotheses, and design rigorous laboratory, field, computational, and quantitative studies.
• Methodological Execution: Design, conduct, and oversee research utilizing bioinformatics, population genetics, geospatial analysis, behavioral, molecular, and ecological computational/statistical approaches.
• Data Management: Collect, manage, analyze, interpret, and disseminate research data from laboratory, field, and meta-analytical studies.
• Extramural Funding: Prepare and submit competitive proposals to federal agencies and other funding organizations to support the program and sustain the position long-term.
• Scholarly Output: Publish high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts on a regular basis.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with faculty within the Department of Entomology, across the University of Georgia (including the Odum School of Ecology), and with domestic and international collaborators.
• Applied Conservation: Conduct research that directly contributes to improved honey bee health and conservation.

Graduate and Undergraduate Mentoring

Percentage Of Time: 10

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

Professional Service and Outreach

Percentage Of Time: 10

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

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Other Documents #1
2. Other Documents #2