Position Summary
The University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology ( SREL ) invites applications for an Academic-Year (9-month) position as an Assistant Research Scientist. The successful applicant will be located at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, S.C. and will report to the Director of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. This position will be 0.11 FTE in Instruction, 0.67 FTE in research, 0.11 FTE in Service, and 0.11 FTE in Program Administration. Funding for this position will be provided by SREL, which is supported in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy, and the University of Georgia Research Institute, a research unit focused on enhancing UGA’s relationships with federal mission driven agencies.
The successful candidate is expected to develop an extramurally funded and internationally recognized research program focused in herpetology, with focal disciplinary expertise in ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, risk assessment, and conservation. The successful candidate will be expected to serve as courtesy faculty and a member of the graduate faculty in an applicable department or school at UGA and will be involved in graduate instruction via advising of graduate students and service on graduate student committees. Professional service to groups such as state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, professional societies, and the public also is expected, as is significant interaction with colleagues and students in other disciplines represented at SREL, UGA, and the broader academic community. The successful candidate also will be expected to maintain a research program that complies with all applicable regulatory and reporting requirements pertinent to the Savannah River Site, state, and federal regulations. Must possess a valid drivers license.
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts of all college-level work, copies of up to three recent relevant publications, and contact information for three references. Review of complete applications will begin on November 22, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Individuals considered for potential interviews will be required to submit official college transcripts and three reference letters. University policy requires all candidates to consent to a background investigation (www.hr.uga.edu). Finalists will be required to provide a signed consent form authorizing the University to conduct a background check. The background investigation will be conducted on a post offer/pre-employment basis. The starting date is negotiable but a spring 2027 start date is desired. All applicants MUST apply online. No paper applications will be accepted. For further questions, please contact Dr. XIAOYU XU, Chair, Assistant Research Scientist in Herpetology Search Committee, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC29802, xiaoyuxu@UGA. EDU
Posting Details
Posting Number
F2856P
Working Title
Assistant Research Scientist in Herpetology
Department
VPR-Savannah River Ecology Lab
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
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory : The successful candidate will be located at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, SC. The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory is a research unit of the University of Georgia located on the 300 mi2 Savannah River Site, a Department of Energy facility near Aiken, SC. With a staff of over 200 faculty members, postdocs, research professionals, technicians, and graduate students, the laboratory pursues basic and applied research at multiple levels of ecological organization, from atoms to ecosystems. SREL also provides opportunities for graduate and undergraduate research training, and service to the community through environmental outreach. Throughout its 75+ year history SREL has strived to acquire and communicate knowledge that contributes to sound ecological stewardship.
College/Unit/Department website
srel.uga.edu
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary
Anticipated Start Date
01/01/2027
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date
10/23/2026
Job Closing Date
Open until filled
Yes
Location of Vacancy
Augusta Area
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. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( [contact details available in the full listing] ).
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 [contact details available in the full listing] .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title
Researcher AC
FLSA
Faculty Rank
Assistant Research Scientist
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in an appropriate field (Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, or related field).
Additional Requirements
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Applicants must have a . The candidate should have a, as well as demonstrated expertise in ecophysiology and ecotoxicology and a broad understanding of risk assessment as related to the biotic fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. Preference will be given to candidates having a record of excellence in research and service commensurate with time since degree, and postdoctoral experience is highly desired. Past funding success with federal mission agencies such as SERDP and DOE is preferred. Applicants with expertise in ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, and risk assessment in turtles and snakes are especially encouraged to apply.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
- Knowledge of research methods in ecophysiology and ecotoxicology
- Knowledge of conservation concerns for reptiles
- Knowledge of statistical analyses for ecotoxicological risk assessment
- Technical and Laboratory skills needed to conduct field and laboratory studies on reptiles