Director of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Professor

The University of Georgia (UGA), chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state's flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UGA enrolls over 41,000 students and employs approximately 3,100 faculty. The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, located in Savannah, GA, is a leading research and educational institution focused on marine and oceanographic sciences.

About the Role

This position is based at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah, GA. The Director serves as the senior administrator of the Institute, responsible for strategic initiatives, fiscal planning, and promoting externally funded research and educational programs. The Director oversees campus infrastructure, manages staff, and fosters partnerships while maintaining an active research agenda. The successful candidate will hold a primary academic appointment as a full professor in the UGA Department of Marine Sciences, reporting administratively to the Vice President for Research and academically to the Head of the Department of Marine Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Administration (70%):
  • Formulate and implement the Institute's strategic vision.
  • Oversee budget development, staffing, and facilities planning.
  • Promote externally funded research and identify collaborative partnerships.
  • Manage Institute campus facilities, including the Research Vessel (R/V) Savannah.
  • Compete for funding for major renovations and repairs.
  • Provide leadership during disruptions such as hurricanes.
  • Supervise key staff, including the Director of Finance and Operations, Marine Superintendent, Director of External Affairs, and an Administrative Associate.
  • Serve as supervisor of record for Skidaway-based faculty, working with the Department of Marine Sciences Head on recruitment, mentorship, and promotion.
  • Support outreach, communications, and educational programs, including the Semester@Skidaway experiential learning field program.
  • Partner with UGA's coastal units, colleges, and University System of Georgia institutions to develop impactful initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the UGA Office of Governmental Relations on legislative priorities.
  • Represent the Institute in regional, national, and international venues.
• Research (25%):
  • Maintain an active research agenda, including securing grants, publishing, and presenting findings.
  • Teach in undergraduate and graduate academic programs.
• Service (5%):
  • Participate in university service activities and contribute to student success.

Requirements

• A PhD in marine sciences, oceanography, or a closely related field.
• Academic credentials appropriate for appointment as a Full Professor at UGA, including eligibility for tenure upon appointment (if applicable).
• Demonstrated international reputation in marine and/or oceanographic sciences.
• Experience in strategic initiatives, campus oversight (including research vessel operations), and personnel management.
• Understanding of academic administration responsibilities.
• Record of successful supervision, mentorship, and professional development of staff, students, and faculty.
• Accomplishments as a principal investigator on interdisciplinary, externally funded research.
• Research focus compatible with the Institute and Department of Marine Sciences.
• Proven record of university-level teaching, with an emphasis on experiential education.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with evidence of collegiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in managing research vessel operations.
• Familiarity with major capital projects and facility renovations.
• Experience in fostering partnerships with government, academic, and industry stakeholders.

For full consideration, submit materials by April 1, 2026. Nominations, questions, or inquiries may be directed to Dr. Merryl Alber, Search Committee Chair, at malber@uga.edu with the subject line "Skidaway."