Research Associate - Monarch Butterfly Lab

Georgia 4-H; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

TRS or ORP

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time Research Associate I to support monarch butterfly-parasite research coordinated with Emory University. The role covers laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies, insect husbandry, data collection, and collaboration with a broader project team.

You will supervise undergraduate workers, assist with data analysis, and contribute to manuscripts and outreach, while ensuring safety, permits, and equipment maintenance across the lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of science.
• Experience in ecological research and data collection/management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to supervise students and coordinate field and laboratory work.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and participate in field and experimental research on monarch butterfly-parasite interactions.
• Coordinate community science and outreach activities and manage data from volunteer projects.
• Supervise undergraduate student workers and mentor graduate students and postdocs as appropriate.
• Oversee lab organization, safety, permits, and equipment maintenance; ensure compliance.

Skills

Data management

Written communication

Microscopy

Sterile techniques

Excel

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field of science

Job description

Posting Number:

S15835P

Working Title:

Research Associate - Monarch Butterfly 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.

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Advertised Salary:

$50,000, Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date:

09/30/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

11/02/2026

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. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title:

Res Associate-Life Science I

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field of science

Position Summary:

CAES seeks to hire a full-time Research Associate I to support the coordination and implementation of multiple research and outreach projects focused on monarch butterfly-parasite interactions. In collaboration with a broader interdisciplinary project team at the University of Georgia and Emory University, the Research Associate will plan, coordinate, and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field research; oversee insect husbandry and experimental activities; and support the collection, management, and analysis of research and community science data. The position will also supervise and train undergraduate student workers and may provide training and technical guidance to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other project personnel. The Research Associate will oversee implementation of a volunteer-based citizen science project and coordinate related outreach and engagement activities with participants, collaborators, and stakeholders. Additional responsibilities include assisting with quantitative and qualitative data analysis; interpreting and communicating research findings; contributing to scientific manuscripts, reports, presentations, and other dissemination products; and overseeing laboratory organization, safety, compliance, permits, equipment maintenance, and research supplies.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Experience in conducting ecological research in a collaborative setting, and in collecting and managing data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Microscopy experience
• Understanding of sterile techniques
• Proficiency in Excel
• Ability to take initiative and have sound judgment
• Strong organizational skills
• Critical thinking skills in carrying out established research procedures and adapting to evolving project needs
• Strong understanding of project goals, research methods, laboratory and field protocols, and overall study operations

Physical Demands:

• Sit or stand for long periods of time
• Lift up to 25 pounds
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Duties may include travel associated with field research, project activities, professional meetings, and stakeholder engagement

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:

Plan, coordinate, and participate in field and experimental research focused on monarch butterfly-parasite interactions.

• Responsibilities include insect husbandry, maintenance of laboratory colonies, greenhouse operations, experimental design and implementation, sample collection, and coordination of field research activities.

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Coordinate community science and outreach activities.

• Collect, compile, manage, and analyze data generated through volunteer-based community science projects focused on monarch-parasite interactions.
• Support recruitment, communication, training, and engagement of volunteers and other participants, and contribute to outreach activities that advance the project’s research and educational mission.

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Supervise and train undergraduate student workers.

• Coordinate student schedules and assignments
• Provide training in laboratory, greenhouse, field, and data-management procedures
• Monitor progress and quality of work
• Contribute to the training and mentoring of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other project personnel as appropriate

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Oversee laboratory organization and administrative operations.

• Coordinate the organization and relocation of laboratory materials and equipment from Ecology to Entomology
• Maintain laboratory inventories
• Order research supplies
• Assist with research permits and compliance requirements
• Oversee laboratory safety procedures
• Coordinate instrument maintenance and