Post Doc (Savannah) - Ellis

The University of Georgia

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

University of Georgia in Savannah seeks a Post Doctoral Associate in Entomology to study the invasive yellow-legged hornet (YLH) and its impact on beekeeping. The project emphasizes field data collection, spatial risk mapping, and toxicology assessment, with collaboration from GA Department of Agriculture, Clemson University, and FDACS.

This is a two-year, full-time appointment starting January 2027. PhD in entomology or a related field with strong field research, data analysis, and mentoring

Qualifications

PhD in entomology or related field.
Experience independently conducting field research and managing technicians and/or staff.
Experience with statistical analysis in R and spatial analysis using GIS.
Experience with insect toxicology.
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Design and implement research projects focusing on YLH distribution, ecological impact, and toxicology.
Conduct fieldwork investigating YLH hunting behavior, bait efficacy, and non-target impacts.
Collect lab measurements on eradicated YLH nests.
Use spatial tools to determine habitat suitability and develop risk maps for YLH in the Southeast U.S.
Prepare written and oral communications of research findings and develop papers for scholarly journals and conference presentations.
Supervise research technicians assisting with YLH projects.
Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in research and data analysis methods.
Assist PI in drafting grant proposals and securing funding.

Skills

Field research experience

Managing technicians

Statistical analysis in R

Spatial analysis using GIS

Insect toxicology

Collaborative communication

Verbal and written communication

Education

PhD in entomology or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

Lift 30 pounds

Posting Details

Position Details

Posting Number G/R34986P

Working Title Post Doc (Savannah) - Ellis 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.

About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Anticipated Start Date 01/04/2027 Posting Date 10/28/2026 Closing Date 11/27/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Savannah 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 hrweb@uga.edu.

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

Design And Implement Research Projects Focused On YLH Distribution, Ecological Impact, And Toxicology. Collect, Curate, Analyze, And Interpret Data Associated With Research Projects. This Includes, But Is Not Limited To, The Following

Conduct fieldwork investigating YLH hunting behavior, the efficacy of YLH baits, and potential non-target impacts of bait traps.
Collect lab measurements on eradicated YLH nests.
Use spatial tools to determine the habitat suitability for YLH nesting success in the Southeast U.S. and develop a landscape-level risk maps for the potential impacts on pollinators.

Percentage of time 50 Duties/Responsibilities

Prepare written and oral communication of research findings. Develop multiple papers for scholarly journals, conference presentations, outreach newsletters, social media and other outlets. Present results at internal and external meetings for both scientific and non-technical audiences.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Supervise research technician assigned to assist with YLH research projects.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in research and data analysis methods, developing scientific communication skills, and professional networking.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Assist PI in drafting grant proposals and securing funding for ongoing projects.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Engage in laboratory-related activities, including laboratory meetings, honey bee extension events, and bee-related instructional opportunities.

Percentage of time 10

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Position Summary

The postdoctoral research associate will conduct research in the Department of Entomology under the mentorship of Dr. Jamie Ellis (PI). The UGA Honey Bee Laboratory is seeking a motivated individual to address the challenges posed by the invasive yellow-legged hornet (YLH) to apiculture and native entomofauna. This is a two-year position and will be based in Savannah, Georgia. The successful candidate will independently collect data on YLH behavior and nesting success in the field, often in hot and humid weather, and analyze spatial data to develop risk maps of hornet establishment and impact. Furthermore, the individual will investigate the impact of toxic baits on YLH individuals and colonies. This is a collaborative position, and the successful candidate will work closely with scientists and inspectors at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Clemson University, and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position

PhD in entomology, ecology, biology or a related field.
Experience independently conducting field research and managing technicians and/or staff.
Experience with statistical analysis in R and spatial analysis using GIS.
Experience with insect toxicology.
The ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Skills

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Physical Demands

Driving as needed to perform job duties
Lift 30 pounds
Work with stinging insects
No allergies to bees or stinging insects

Is this a Position of Trust? No 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? 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) No 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

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Jamie Ellis Recruitment Contact Email jdellis@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents