Research Associate - Dr. Kim's Lab

Ugajobsearch; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Georgia is seeking a Research Associate in Dr. Kim's Lab to support meat science and muscle-based foods research. The role emphasizes project coordination, data collection, and dissemination of findings through abstracts and peer‑reviewed publications.

The position involves collaboration with a PI, monthly progress discussions, and engagement in manuscript development, with a focus on rigorous scientific methodology and laboratory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science.
• Experience with scientific writing and publication.
• Experience working in a lab or with experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: overseeing ongoing research, coordinating timelines, schedules, budgets, and sponsor requirements.
• Manuscript Preparation: literature reviews, data analysis support, manuscript drafting and submission processes.
• Project Development: identify research gaps, hypotheses, experimental design, collaborate with faculty and partners.
• Grantsmanship: identify funding opportunities, prepare proposals, budgets, and coordinate submissions.

Skills

Independent work

Scientific writing

Lab experiments

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Research Associate - Dr. Kim's 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

Posting Details Posting Number S15862P Working Title Research Associate - Dr. Kim's Lab Department CAES-Food Science & Technology 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 Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Part Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information Schedule to be determined by supervisor. Advertised Salary $29,388, Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 10/06/2026 Open until filled No Closing Date 10/13/2026 Proposed Starting Date 11/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy 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.

Position Information Classification

Title Res Associate-Life Science I FLSA Exempt FTE 0.80 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary The Research Associate will conduct research focusing on the development of value-added meat products/muscle-based foods using various processing systems/technology and novel ingredients. Their primary responsibilities will include analyzing and reporting findings and sharing these findings through the presentation of abstracts at scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals and meet with their P.I. once monthly to discuss progress.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills
• Experience with scientific writing and publication
• Experience working in a lab or with experimental design

Physical Demands

• Standing
• Sitting
• Working in a lab
• Driving as needed to perform job duties

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

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

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

Project Management

• Participate in and help oversee on-going research conducted by P.I. and collaborators
• Develop study timelines, assign responsibilities, coordinate personnel and facility schedules, and ensure experimental activities align with project objectives, milestones, budgets, and sponsor requirements
• Coordinate animal, carcass, meat-processing, sensory microbiological, and analytical studies; confirm that protocols are followed consistently and troubleshoot operational issues that could affect study quality or completion
• Maintain required approvals and documentation, including Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee or Institutional Review Board protocols when applicable; ensure compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety, food-handling, sanitation, and quality-assurance procedures
• Establish systems for sample identification, chain of custody, data collection, storage, and verification; review records for completeness and accuracy and ensure that research data are organized, secure, traceable, and ready for analysis or sponsor review
• Train and supervise students and laboratory personnel; monitor purchasing, inventory, and project expenditures; coordinate with collaborators, industry partners and sponsors; prepare progress reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables

Percentage of time 25

Manuscript Preparation

• Conduct comprehensive literature searches, evaluate peer-reviewed research, and synthesize findings to establish the scientific rationale, significance, and novelty of the study
• Collaborate with investigators and statisticians to verify analyses, interpret results, identify meaningful trends, and ensure that conclusions are scientifically sound and supported by the data
• Prepare and integrate manuscript sections, including the abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusions, and references, in accordance with the target journal’s requirements
• Develop accurate, publication-quality tables and figures; verify units, statistical notation, and terminology; prepare supplementary materials, data availability statements, acknowledgements, and required disclosures
• Manage co-author review and approval, format and submit manuscripts, maintain version control, address editorial and peer-review comments, prepare response-to-reviewer documents, and coordinate revisions through final publication

Percentage of time 25

Project Development

• Identify emerging challenges and knowledge gaps in meat science through literature reviews, industry engagement, and stakeholder input. Translate these needs into relevant, innovative, and achievable research concepts.
• Develop clear hypotheses, objectives, and expected outcomes; identify appropriate animal, carcass, processing, sensory, microbiological, chemical, and instrumental methods; establish statistically sound experimental designs
• Identify and engage faculty, laboratory personnel, statisticians, industry partners, and other collaborators with the expertise and resources needed to complete the project; define team roles, responsibilities, communication procedures, and anticipated contributions

Percentage of time 25

Grantsmanship

• Identify relevant federal, state, commodity, foundation, and industry funding opportunities. Evaluate sponsor priorities and eligibility requirements to ensure that proposed meat science research aligns with the program’s objectives.
• Develop a clear and compelling proposal that defines the research need, hypotheses, objectives, experimental approach, expected outcomes, and significance to meat science, animal agriculture, and industry stakeholders
• Prepare detailed budgets and budget justifications covering personnel, animals or meat products, laboratory analyses, processing expenses, equipment, travel, publication costs, and other project needs. Confirm that expenses are reasonable, allowable, and consistent with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Coordinate contributions from collaborators, administrators, industry partners, and subcontracting institutions. Establish internal deadlines and assemble required documents, including biosketches, facilities descriptions, current and pending support, data-management plans, and letters of support
• Ensure that the proposal is accurate, persuasive, responsive to review criteria, and compliant with formatting and submission requirements. Coordinate institutional review and submission, interpret reviewer feedback, and prepare revisions or resubmissions that directly address identified concerns

Percentage of time 25

Recruitment Contact

Name: Madeline Woods

Email: [e-mail]

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