University of Georgia
Associate Director of Research
All applications received by February 14, 2026 are assured full consideration.
Posting Details Job Number: F2587P | Working Title: Associate Director of Research | Department: PSO-Sea Grant Program | Posting Type: External | Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP | Employment Type: Employee | Benefits: Eligible | Compensation: Determined by qualifications and experience. Anticipated Start Date: May 1 2026 | Job Closing Date: Open until filled.
About the University of Georgia The University of Georgia, chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). UGA has more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and a continued commitment to higher education. It is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The 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 UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia’s coastal resources by individuals, decision‑makers and management agencies. The program is managed through a federal‑state partnership between the University of Georgia and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.
Mission and Focus Areas Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.
Strategic Plan outlines four focus areas:
Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Resilient Communities and Economies
Read the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024‑2027 Strategic Plan here.
Position Summary The associate director of research is a non‑tenure track public service faculty position that provides strategic leadership and coordination for the program’s research portfolio. The position oversees competitive research projects, ensuring alignment with Sea Grant and university priorities and compliance with federal and institutional requirements. It facilitates collaboration among faculty, extension and education professionals, and external partners to address critical coastal and marine issues, guiding the development, review, and reporting of research proposals and awards. The position supports dissemination of research results through communications, workshops, and symposia.
It is based in Athens, Georgia, but requires state, regional, national and potentially international travel.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in a discipline related to marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management or a closely related field.
At least 2 years of experience in program coordination, community engagement, or providing research, education, and technical assistance to communities related to coastal issues.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. and related research, education or extension record in natural or social sciences of marine, coastal or natural resource disciplines.
Record demonstrating a commitment to improving exchange between scientists, educators, extension agents and stakeholders.
Experience working in a university environment, multitasking, and working with multiple constituencies.
Experience working with federal, state, and non‑profit groups and business administration.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
Familiarity with coastal and marine environments and issues, particularly as it relates to coastal management.
Extremely strong communication skills both verbally and in writing, especially for interpreting/translating research‑based technical information for decision makers, practitioners, and the public.
Ability to work collaboratively with research faculty, educators, students, and outreach and extension agents.
Ability to self‑motivate, work independently and as part of a team, and develop annual plans of work with measurable outcomes.
Relevant skills applicable to education and outreach, public speaking, facilitation, technical writing, statistical analysis and computer use.
Strong ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and develop productive partnerships with varied stakeholders.
Ability to travel as needed.
Familiarity with impact documentation and assessment.
Ability to supervise and manage staff.
Ability to organize and facilitate seminars, workshops, and conferences and organize peer reviews.
Physical Demands The position requires extensive travel to communicate between various constituencies on the coast, throughout the state and in Athens.
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, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with accessibility materials are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is composed of 26 institutions of higher education and learning, and its 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.
Applicant Documents Required Documents:
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents:
Anything else you wish to submit.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Posting Details Job Number: F2587P | Working Title: Associate Director of Research | Department: PSO-Sea Grant Program | Posting Type: External | Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP | Employment Type: Employee | Benefits: Eligible | Compensation: Determined by qualifications and experience. Anticipated Start Date: May 1 2026 | Job Closing Date: Open until filled.
About the University of Georgia The University of Georgia, chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). UGA has more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and a continued commitment to higher education. It is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The 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 UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia’s coastal resources by individuals, decision‑makers and management agencies. The program is managed through a federal‑state partnership between the University of Georgia and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.
Mission and Focus Areas Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.
Strategic Plan outlines four focus areas:
Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Resilient Communities and Economies
Read the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024‑2027 Strategic Plan here.
Position Summary The associate director of research is a non‑tenure track public service faculty position that provides strategic leadership and coordination for the program’s research portfolio. The position oversees competitive research projects, ensuring alignment with Sea Grant and university priorities and compliance with federal and institutional requirements. It facilitates collaboration among faculty, extension and education professionals, and external partners to address critical coastal and marine issues, guiding the development, review, and reporting of research proposals and awards. The position supports dissemination of research results through communications, workshops, and symposia.
It is based in Athens, Georgia, but requires state, regional, national and potentially international travel.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in a discipline related to marine science, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management or a closely related field.
At least 2 years of experience in program coordination, community engagement, or providing research, education, and technical assistance to communities related to coastal issues.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. and related research, education or extension record in natural or social sciences of marine, coastal or natural resource disciplines.
Record demonstrating a commitment to improving exchange between scientists, educators, extension agents and stakeholders.
Experience working in a university environment, multitasking, and working with multiple constituencies.
Experience working with federal, state, and non‑profit groups and business administration.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
Familiarity with coastal and marine environments and issues, particularly as it relates to coastal management.
Extremely strong communication skills both verbally and in writing, especially for interpreting/translating research‑based technical information for decision makers, practitioners, and the public.
Ability to work collaboratively with research faculty, educators, students, and outreach and extension agents.
Ability to self‑motivate, work independently and as part of a team, and develop annual plans of work with measurable outcomes.
Relevant skills applicable to education and outreach, public speaking, facilitation, technical writing, statistical analysis and computer use.
Strong ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and develop productive partnerships with varied stakeholders.
Ability to travel as needed.
Familiarity with impact documentation and assessment.
Ability to supervise and manage staff.
Ability to organize and facilitate seminars, workshops, and conferences and organize peer reviews.
Physical Demands The position requires extensive travel to communicate between various constituencies on the coast, throughout the state and in Athens.
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, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with accessibility materials are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is composed of 26 institutions of higher education and learning, and its 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.
Applicant Documents Required Documents:
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents:
Anything else you wish to submit.
#J-18808-Ljbffr