GRA- Sundaram Lab

Ugajobsearch; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Sundaram Lab in the University of Georgia is seeking a motivated PhD student to investigate wildlife reservoirs, coronavirus dynamics, and spillover mechanisms. The position offers five years of full support (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance) with location in Athens, GA.

The lab combines disease ecology, macroecology, epidemiology, spatial statistics, and machine learning to address core questions about zoonotic spillover and outbreak prediction, under mentorship by Dr.

Qualifications

• PhD student sought to investigate the ecology of wildlife reservoirs and coronavirus dynamics.
• Experience with GIS data, spatial statistics or ecology research is desirable.
• Strong analytical and writing skills for manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and curate global databases on wildlife reservoirs and coronavirus outbreaks.
• Process and integrate environmental, ecological, and 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.

Skills

GIS

Machine learning

Macroecology

Job description

GRA- Sundaram Lab

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Position 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 3,200 faculty and more than 7,900 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 44,000 students including over 33,000 undergraduates and over 11,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine and the Victoria Kay Investor School of Nursing.

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, and 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

Position Details

Position Information Classification Title Graduate Research Assistant FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE .50 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary The Sundaram Laboratory in the Department of Infectious Diseases within the Precision One Health Initiative at the University of Georgia is seeking a motivated PhD student to investigate the ecology of wildlife reservoirs, coronavirus dynamics, and the mechanisms driving zoonotic spillover into human populations. Research in the Sundaram Lab integrates disease ecology, macroecology, epidemiology, spatial statistics, and machine learning to address fundamental questions: Which wildlife species serve as primary reservoirs for emerging pathogens? What ecological conditions trigger wildlife disease outbreaks? Why do certain wildlife outbreaks spill over into humans while others remain isolated? Can zoonotic spillover be anticipated from ecological patterns prior to human transmission?

• Funding: 5 years of full support (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits).
• Location: University of Georgia (Athens, GA).
• Flexibility: While aligned with broader lab goals, students have considerable freedom to tailor projects to their specific scientific interests.
• Skills Gained: Advanced training in GIS , spatial statistics, machine learning, macroecology, and big-data management.

The student will be mentored by Dr. Mekala Sundaram, Assistant Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases (College of Veterinary Medicine) with a joint appointment at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory ( SREL ).

• Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Physical Demands
• 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 requirement 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
• 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.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name Mekala Sundaram

Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents