GRA- Sundaram Lab

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens seeks a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) for the Sundaram Lab within the VetMed-Precision One Health program. The role focuses on building and maintaining global databases on wildlife reservoirs and coronavirus outbreaks, and supporting data-driven studies of pathogen dynamics.

The candidate will process environmental GIS data, apply spatial statistics and machine learning, and help prepare manuscripts for publication. Anticipated start date is 01/01/2027.

Qualifications

• Experience with GIS data processing and spatial analysis.
• Strong programming skills in Python or R.
• Ability to manage and curate large research databases.
• Excellent written communication for manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and curate global wildlife reservoirs databases.
• Integrate environmental GIS data layers.
• Apply spatial statistics and ML to identify drivers.
• Publish high-impact manuscripts.

Skills

GIS

Data analysis

Python

R

Machine learning

Scientific writing

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

R

Python

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Posting Details

• Posting Number: G/R34810P


• Working Title: GRA- Sundaram Lab


• Department: VetMed-Precision One Health


• 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 University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community.


• College/Unit/Department website: www.vet.uga.edu


• Employment Type: Employee


• Additional Schedule Information:


• Advertised Salary:


• Anticipated Start Date: 01/01/2027


• Posting Date: 09/22/2026


• Closing Date:


• Open Until Filled: Yes


• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area


• EOO 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and curate global databases on wildlife reservoirs and coronavirus disease outbreaks.


• Process and integrate environmental, ecological, socioeconomic GIS data layers.


• Apply spatial statistics and machine learning to identify drivers of pathogen persistence and spillover risk.


• Build predictive models linking wildlife host dynamics with coronavirus outbreak patterns.


• Prepare high-impact manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.

Percentage of time: 100