Sustainability Research Assistant (Wood Value Chains)

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Sustainability Research Assistant to support a project analyzing the wood-based sector's sustainability in the U.S. Southeast and Nordics. The assistant will engage in data collection, literature review, and data synthesis. Candidates should have a BSc/MSc in relevant fields, with strong communication skills and an interest in environmental sustainability. This is a student assistant position, full-time equivalent 0.50, located in Athens, GA.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of carbon flows in forest products and life cycle assessment (LCA).
• Interest in international work in the fields of forest products, policy, and sustainability.
• Ability to handle datasets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data collection through secondary sources and expert consultation.
• Perform literature reviews.
• Synthesize data and write reports.

Skills

Data collection

Literature review

Data synthesis and writing

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Interest in environmental-economic analysis

Education

BSc/MSc in business economics, sustainability, forestry, natural resource management or related fields

Job description

Sustainability Research Assistant (Wood Value Chains)

Position Summary

Our project aims to gain novel actionable insights about how industrial structure, business‑society interactions, and forest ecosystems shape the outlook of the development of a sustainable wood‑based sector in the U.S. Southeast and the Nordics, facing emerging environmental and economic disruptions. The student will support data collection and methodological development to generate insights into the sustainability impacts and potential of wood use, with a focus on the U.S. and the U.S. Southeast.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Data collection – through secondary sources and expert consultation (50% of time)
• Literature review (20%)
• Data synthesis and writing (30%)

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in business economics, sustainability, forestry, natural resource management or related fields
• Basic understanding of carbon flows in forest products and life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Interest in international work in the fields of forest products, policy, and sustainability
• Ability to handle datasets
• Strong interest in or demonstrated experience with environmental‑economic and sustainability analysis of bio‑based products and materials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team

Additional Information

Employment type: Student Assistant (FLSA Non‑Exempt), Full‑time equivalent 0.50.

Posting date: 02/03/2026. Closing date: Open Until Filled.

Location: Athens, GA.

EEO 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.