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Inside Higher Ed

SSRL Lab Manager

Inside Higher Ed, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604

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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 Information

Posting Number:

S14238P

Working Title:

SSRL Lab Manager

Department:

Franklin-Geography

College/Unit/Department:

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part Time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

M-F, 40 hours per week; evening or weekend work may be required.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Posting Date:

10/09/2025

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

12/01/2025

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

Equal Opportunity Employer 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, 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).

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in a related field of science and 5 years of professional experience

Position Summary The SSRL Lab Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations, research activities, and strategic direction of the Small Satellite Research Laboratory (SSRL). This position is responsible for managing, coordinating satellite mission design and operations, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The Lab Manager supervises students, interns, and hourly staff, while also contributing to scientific research, data analysis, and project management. Additionally, the role involves administrative oversight, budget management, training program development, and collaboration with external partners fostering collaboration with academic and industry partners.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Physical Demands Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling; spending long periods of time at a computer.

Responsibilities Lab Management

Run day‑to‑day SSRL operations and manage multiple teams working in the lab

Manage purchasing, financial, and personnel activities with decision‑making authority

Ensure lab members are properly trained, ESD, cleanroom, building access, working with interns, etc.

Assure safety protocols and other regulatory factors are written, up to date, and in compliance with the laboratory

Lead lab/group meetings to review findings, discuss research aims, develop skills, and provide overall direction

Percentage Of Time:

30

Scientific Contribution / Presentation of Results

Co‑author publications and may co‑present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences

Assist the director in new satellite mission proposal development and report building

Communicate all outcomes of the research with PI, in presentations, as well as contribute to writing publications and grant

Co‑teach a small section of a CubeSat course

Communicate research updates with NASA Centers and funding agencies regularly

Percentage Of Time:

15

Data Management / Analysis

Manage and maintain SSRL data and personnel data

Coordinate data acquisition and screening and verify the data

Conduct analysis of data, interpret and implement research methodology based on outcome of analysis

Oversee lab data management and evaluation

Percentage Of Time:

10

Project Management

Supervise, assist, and collaborate with students, post‑docs, and faculty in the design and testing operations of new missions

Establish daily laboratory priorities and assign jobs to lab members

Ensure all assigned functions are aimed towards a common research goal

Manage project timelines to ensure goals and milestones are met

Administrative Duties

Oversee day‑to‑day operation of the lab and projects and may supervise exempt and non‑exempt research and support personnel

Working closely with the sponsors and vendors to ensure tasks are completed on time

Provide expertise to further the department’s instructional and research goals

Develop short‑term and long‑term plans to track project goals, budgetary issues such as lab purchases and salary costs, and time management of personnel and equipment

Assist in grant and manuscript preparation, oversee ordering and budgets

Supervision

Meeting with student team leads at least once a week and other student members periodically assign them tasks and supervise the hands‑on exercises

Monitor lab recruitment every Fall and Spring semester

Recruit and supervise interns, CURO students, and YoungDawgs

Ensure lab members are properly trained, ESD, cleanroom, building access, working with interns, etc.

Act as the immediate supervisor to all students employed by the lab

Recommend pay rates and subsequent adjustments

Ensure employees are trained in job responsibilities and provide for ongoing development

Manage the performance review process and address performance deficiencies and disciplinary issues as needed

Set work schedules and approve leave requests, etc.

Work closely with the vendors to negotiate price and schedule

Satellite Mission Operations and Design

Develop, design, and conduct one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with the plan, review progress, and evaluate results

Operate with considerable latitude in unreviewed actions or decisions

Act as liaison with Co‑PIs in other departments, divisions, or organizations

Develop protocol and criteria; supervise students in developing testing and evaluation procedures

Formulate research methods and suggest options for improving quality, identify potential problems, recommend and implement solutions, and collaborate in the development of new techniques

Percentage Of Time:

5

Training

Develop training programs and train users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations, and outcomes

Identify and prioritize education and development programs that benefit the lab and maintain up‑to‑date skills for lab personnel

Other Duties

Other duties as assigned by management to meet business needs

Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Dr. Deepak Mishra

Recruitment Contact Email:

dmishra@uga.edu

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