Assistant/Associate Research Scientist for Advancing Circular Bioeconomy Systems

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. 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.

About the role

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-tenure 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop biophysical models and work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate and lead in building holistic, integrated biosystems, ecosystems, and socio-economic system models for:
  • Identifying grand challenges in advancing sustainable circular bioeconomy systems;
  • Determining critical knowledge, techniques, and skills needed for addressing the challenges;
  • Establishing priority actions for meeting short- and long-term CBS goals; and
  • Developing methods to prototype and extend innovation for adoption by users.
• Coordinate and draft proposals for external funding to support the CBS initiative.
• Interact with undergraduate/graduate students and stakeholders, contributing to the teaching and outreach mission of the University.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biochemical, chemical, agricultural, or systems engineering, agricultural science, qualitative biology, or equivalent.
• Strong background and proven success in modeling biophysical systems.

Qualifications

• Evidence of expertise in biophysical modeling, life-cycle analysis, big data, building digital twins, and latest modeling and AI techniques.
• Postdoctoral training and a strong publication record preferred.
• Internship or hands-on skills in biosystems industries.
• Proficiency in preparing interdisciplinary grant proposals for external funding.
• Knowledge of systems that produce biomass on land, in water, and in controlled environmental systems, as well as scientific and technical processes that use biomass as feedstock for synthesizing materials, chemicals, and products for human needs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to aid collaboration and build consensus.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work successfully with multidisciplinary teams.

Pay

$100,000

Schedule

Anticipated start date: October 1, 2025. This is a fiscal-year (12-month) position.