Research Associate - Honey Bee Lab

University of Georgia; Ohio; On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens, GA seeks a full-time Research Associate I for the Honey Bee Lab to manage research, teaching, and extension activities. The role includes coordinating projects, purchasing, and safety training for staff and volunteers, with a focus on beekeeping research and lab operations.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's in a related science, lab experience, and strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science is required.
• Experience coordinating laboratory safety and safety training is preferred.
• Experience in university research environments and lab management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate research, teaching, and extension project logistics including staffing and supplies.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for projects in the Honey Bee Lab.
• Ensure compliance with UGA safety regulations and manage laboratory safety inspections.
• Oversee procurement, travel authorizations, and budget input for lab activities.
• Coordinate hiring, onboarding and supervision of hourly staff and volunteers.
• Serve as primary PCard holder and maintain equipment and facilities.

Skills

Laboratory safety coordination

Extension/outreach experience

UGA policies familiarity

Research laboratory experience

Microsoft Office

Organized, detail-oriented

Multi-project management

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Vehicle operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field of science

Job description

Research Associate - Honey Bee Lab

Posting Details

Posting Number S15969P Working Title Research Associate - Honey Bee Lab 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

Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some evenings and weekends expected, when necessary. Advertised Salary $50,000, Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 10/28/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 11/30/2026 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary Dr. Jamie Ellis seeks to hire a full-time Research Associate I to serve as the Honey Bee Laboratory’s ( HBL ) Manager.

The Research Associate – Honey Bee Lab will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of all research, teaching, and extension projects/programs managed by the University of Georgia ( UGA ) HBL . This position will help staff research projects for undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in the laboratory. They will work with the UGA Environmental Safety Division to ensure laboratory personnel compliance with UGA safety regulations for all research, teaching, and extension projects/programs. In addition, this position will provide safety training to all personnel, including volunteers, working in the laboratory. The Research Associate – Honey Bee Lab will ensure all equipment is maintained and calibrated appropriately and maintain the state vehicles assigned to the laboratory.

The Research Associate – Honey Bee Lab will train laboratory personnel in best management practices related to safety when working honey bee colonies. This position will coordinate research, teaching, and extension project/program logistics, develop Standard Operating Procedures for each project, and ensure all projects needs are met, including ordering materials and supplies, managing research sites, and project staffing. They will be expected to work independently to develop lab management strategies that support the research missions of the HBL .

The Research Associate – Honey Bee Lab will assist in the administration of the HBL . This will include providing logistical and hourly staff oversight, managing grants supporting laboratory-level initiatives, and maintaining HBL facilities and equipment. This position will also aid in offering professional development opportunities to HBL employees. Along with HBL administrative team, the Research Associate – Honey Bee Lab will provide budget input and have monetary responsibilities in the form of equipment/supply purchases. This position serves as the primary PCard holder for the Honey Bee Lab.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Experience with Laboratory Safety Coordination
• Extension/Outreach experience
• Knowledge of UGA personnel and time card policies
• Experience in a research laboratory
• Proficiency with computers, including the Microsoft Office Suite
• Self-motivated, highly organized, strong attention to details
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize effectively
• Ability to work with a team of individuals who strategically develop research projects related to honey bees and beekeeping
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills needed for laboratory management
• Capable of safely operating a vehicle off road in a variety of ground conditions

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• No allergies to stinging insects

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? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? Yes Is having a P-Card an essential function 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.

Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Research, Teaching, and Extension Project/Program Coordination

• Responsible for helping coordinate all research, teaching, and extension project/program logistics (students, faculty, and postdocs). This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Assess project/program needs to ensure supplies and staffing are sufficient
  • Purchasing any supplies that are needed for all projects/programs
  • Find secure apiary locations for off-site field research projects/programs
  • Review project safety protocols
  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures for each project/program conducted by laboratory personnel
  • Maintain laboratory data sheets, assist on data input and management, and maintain the HBL shared drive containing all SOPs, documentation, and long-term data preservation

Percentage of time 50

Laboratory Safety

• Responsible for working closely with UGA’s Environmental Safety Division to ensure that laboratory personnel comply with all UGA safety requirements. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Oversee all laboratory safety efforts
  • Coordinate laboratory safety inspections with the UGA Environmental Safety Division
  • Maintain chemical inventory
  • Manage hazardous waste accumulation and disposal
  • Train new employees, students, and volunteers in appropriate lab safety and waste disposal practices
  • Keep training logs to ensure all individuals are up to date with required training

Percentage of time 25

Laboratory Coordination

• Coordinate research activities and findings by visiting scholars
• Purchase materials, supplies, and equipment and submit purchase documents on-time
• Serves as a primary PCard holder, processing transactions in compliance with policy and established procedures
• Coordinate facility and vehicle maintenance
• Submit travel authorizations and expense reports
• Monitor time submitted by all hourly employees
• Coordinate the hiring of new employees and orientation for volunteers and visiting scholars
• Submit work orders, maintain state vehicles, and report on space allocations
• Coordinate laboratory equipment service and preventative maintenance

Percentage of time 25

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Jamie Ellis 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