About this position
Posting Number:
G/R34234P
Working Title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department:
Franklin-Geology
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:
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.
College/Unit/Department website:
http://duttalab.franklinresearch.uga.edu/
Employment Type:
Employee
Additional Schedule Information:
M-F, 9 am-5 pm; Evening work may be needed.
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Start Date:
09/14/2026
Posting Date:
08/06/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EOO 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 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 .
Duties/Responsibilities:
Laboratory Work and Wet-Laboratory Experiments: Design and conduct laboratory experiments in consultation with the PI. Sample processing and extraction; maintain accurate laboratory records; follow quality-control protocols; and troubleshoot experimental problems.
Percentage of time:
40
Duties/Responsibilities:
Instrumental Analysis and Data Interpretation: Conduct instrumental analyses using high-resolution mass spectrometry and other analytical platforms required by the project. Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance of instruments; evaluate analytical quality; process and interpret data; and prepare figures and tables summarizing the results.
Percentage of time:
25
Duties/Responsibilities:
Scientific Communication, Publications, and Project Reports: Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, presentations, project progress reports, final reports, standard operating procedures, and other scientific reports as advised by the PI. Present research findings at laboratory meetings, project meetings, and scientific conferences.
Percentage of time:
20
Duties/Responsibilities:
Mentoring, Research Coordination, and Daily Laboratory Operations: Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory procedures, instrumental analysis, data interpretation, and responsible research practices. Coordinate daily laboratory and field activities, including sample inventories, supplies, instrument scheduling, field equipment, and research documentation. Cooperate closely with the PI, lab members, collaborators, and other project personnel.
Percentage of time:
10
Duties/Responsibilities:
Education and Outreach: Participate in project, laboratory, departmental, and community outreach activities. Assist with laboratory tours, research demonstrations, student visits, public presentations, and educational materials communicating the importance of the project.
Percentage of time:
5
Classification Title:
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Position Summary:
The postdoctoral researcher will lead laboratory experiments, analytical measurements, data interpretation, and computational analyses while coordinating closely with the Principal Investigator and student researchers. This position will ensure continuity across interconnected project activities, maintain rigorous quality assurance and reproducible data workflows, and accelerate completion of milestones. The postdoctoral researcher will also train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, contribute to manuscripts and presentations, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.
This position is essential for timely and successful project completion.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:
PhD required
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :
- Strong experience in microbial ecology, geomicrobiology, and/or biogeochemistry.
- Proficiency in molecular biology, multi-omics workflows (primarily metagenomics and metabolomics), bioinformatics, Linux/HPC environments, and the integration of multi-omics and geochemical datasets, with demonstrated experience using Python or R packages for statistical analyses and data visualization.
- Demonstrated research productivity through peer-reviewed publications, with strong scientific writing and data-presentation skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently, manage research responsibilities effectively, and contribute productively within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with digital PCR (dPCR) and molecular workflows, including assay optimization, quantification, and analysis of low-abundance microbial targets.
- Experience in DNA extraction from low-biomass environmental samples and whole-metagenome sequencing data analysis, including quality control, assembly, annotation, and functional profiling.
- Experience with metabolomics and mass spectrometry data analysis, including processing, identification, and interpretation of metabolites from complex environmental samples.
- Experience in viral ecogenomics, including identification, characterization, and ecological interpretation of viral communities and virus–host interactions from metagenomic datasets.
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 requirement 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):
No
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 .
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Dr. Avishek Dutta
Recruitment Contact Email:
ad28019@uga.edu
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Email the contact below with your CV and a short, specific message. See Emailing Professors.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.