Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2443P

Working Title

Assistant/Associate Research Scientist for Advancing Circular Bioeconomy Systems

Department

CAES-Assoc Dean for Research

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

$100,000

Anticipated Start Date

10/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

08/05/2025

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Athens 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Researcher AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in biochemical/chemical/agricultural/systems engineering, or agricultural science, or qualitative biology or equivalent.

Position Summary

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ( CAES ) at the University of Georgia seeks to recruit an Assistant or Associate Research Scientist to work on the Circular Bioeconomy Systems ( CBS ) initiative. This is a non-tenured track position with 95% research and 5% service responsibility.

The position will be housed in the UGA CAES ; however, the incumbent will be expected to work closely with faculty in the multidisciplinary teams from Colleges/Schools of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Resources, Arts and Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, and others. The candidate is expected to maintain an internationally renowned research program that produces and publishes work recognized and used by researchers and stakeholders around the world. The incumbent will report to the office of the CAES Associate Dean of Research.

The incumbent will coordinate and draft proposals for external funding to support the CBS initiative. Although this position is predominantly a research appointment, the person will interact with undergraduate/graduate students and stakeholders, and contribute to teaching and outreach mission of the University.

Additional Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in biochemical/chemical/agricultural/systems engineering, or agricultural science, or qualitative biology or equivalent with strong background and proven success in modeling biophysical systems is required.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

The chosen candidate will be expected to show evidence of expertise in biophysical modeling, life-cycle-analysis, big-data, building digital twins, and latest modeling and AI techniques. Candidates with postdoctoral training and a strong publication record will be preferred. Internship/hands-on skills in biosystems industries and proficiency in preparing interdisciplinary grant proposals for external funding will be favored.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

The incumbent should be knowledgeable of the systems that produce biomass on land, and in water and controlled environmental systems, and scientific and technical processes that use biomass as feedstock for synthesizing materials, chemical and products for human needs. They should possess excellent inter-personal skills to aid collaboration and build consensus. The successful candidate will have excellent skills in written and oral communications and traits required to successfully work with multidisciplinary teams.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

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

Is driving a responsibility 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)

No

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

Duties/Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to develop biophysical models and work with multidisciplinary teams, and coordinate and lead in building holistic, integrated biosystems, ecosystems, and socio-economic system models for identifying:

a) grand challenges in advancing sustainable circular bioeconomy systems;

b) critical knowledge, techniques and skills needed for addressing the challenges;

c) priority actions for meeting short and long-term CBS goals; and

d) methods to prototype and extend innovation for adoption by users.

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information
4. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
5. Sample Publications

Optional Documents