What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate-Rivero Lab position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number:
G/R32411P
Working Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate-Rivero Lab
Department:
VPR-Skidaway Inst Oceanography
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:
The University of Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO) is a multidisciplinary research and training institution located on a 700-acre campus on Skidaway Island. The Institute’s primary goals are to further understanding of marine and environmental sciences, conduct leading edge research on marine and coastal systems, and train tomorrow’s scientists. Our campus is also a host to Georgia Southern University’s Applied Coastal Research Lab, NOAA Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, The University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium, and The Nature Conservancy. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography is also home to the Research Vessel (R/V) Savannah. The R/V Savannah is owned and operated by the Institute and is a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) and Academic Research Fleet (ARF).
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://www.skio.uga.edu/
Employment Type:
Employee
Additional Schedule Information:
40 hours/week, work times may vary as needed.
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with Experience; UGA min postdoctoral salary is $47,476/year.
Anticipated Start Date:
07/01/2026
Posting Date:
03/10/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Location of Vacancy:
Savannah 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 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Perform data analysis as required for the research project.
Percentage Of Time:
70
Duties/Responsibilities:
Timely dissemination of results in peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Duties/Responsibilities:
Regular contributions to the functioning of the lab group, and, as needed, assistancewith graduate and undergraduate student mentoring.
Classification Title:
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Position Summary:
This project seeks to enhance Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring by developing remote sensing methods for the detection of common and emerging HAB species in the southeastern U.S and contributing to filling gaps in the undersampled region of coastal Georgia. The postdoc will combine laboratory work and computational analysis by: 1) building a hyperspectral library of HABs optical properties with the PhytoPlankton Light Scattering (PPLS) prototype instrument and 2) Developing species-specific remote sensing algorithms using the spectral information gathered from the PPLS or HAB risk maps based on satellite-derived environmental parameters. The PPLS is an innovative new instrument in development and one of the first to simultaneously measure hyperspectral absorbance and backscattering properties of phytoplankton in vivo in the lab. The successful applicant will have certain freedom to design and perform original research within this general project framework in a highly collaborative environment. There will be potential opportunities to participate in fieldwork activities in collaboration with local stakeholders such as aquaculture farmers, UGA Marine Extension, or SeaGrant Phytoplankton Monitoring Network. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to present their research at scientific conferences and benefit from professional development activities.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position:
Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Oceanography, Ocean Optics, Remote Sensing, Earth Sciences or a related field required at the time of appointment. Experience handling phytoplankton cultures or willingness to learn is needed. Experience with optical instrumentation such as ac-s, hyper-bb, oscar, and associated software/hardware systems is preferred. Experience with computer programming in python, MATLAB, R or similar is desired but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies :
Experience in ocean optics or ocean color image processing is needed. Applicants should be independently motivated and enthusiastic about research. Proficient in English language (written and verbal) and quantitative analytical skills are essential.
Physical Demands:
Sit for long periods of time. Driving as needed to perform job duties.
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?:
Yes
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. Sara Rivero-Calle
Recruitment Contact Email:
rivero@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
912-598-2333
G/R32411P
Working Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate-Rivero Lab
Department:
VPR-Skidaway Inst Oceanography
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:
The University of Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO) is a multidisciplinary research and training institution located on a 700-acre campus on Skidaway Island. The Institute’s primary goals are to further understanding of marine and environmental sciences, conduct leading edge research on marine and coastal systems, and train tomorrow’s scientists. Our campus is also a host to Georgia Southern University’s Applied Coastal Research Lab, NOAA Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, The University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium, and The Nature Conservancy. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography is also home to the Research Vessel (R/V) Savannah. The R/V Savannah is owned and operated by the Institute and is a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) and Academic Research Fleet (ARF).
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://www.skio.uga.edu/
Employment Type:
Employee
Additional Schedule Information:
40 hours/week, work times may vary as needed.
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with Experience; UGA min postdoctoral salary is $47,476/year.
Anticipated Start Date:
07/01/2026
Posting Date:
03/10/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Location of Vacancy:
Savannah 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 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Perform data analysis as required for the research project.
Percentage Of Time:
70
Duties/Responsibilities:
Timely dissemination of results in peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Duties/Responsibilities:
Regular contributions to the functioning of the lab group, and, as needed, assistancewith graduate and undergraduate student mentoring.
Classification Title:
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Position Summary:
This project seeks to enhance Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring by developing remote sensing methods for the detection of common and emerging HAB species in the southeastern U.S and contributing to filling gaps in the undersampled region of coastal Georgia. The postdoc will combine laboratory work and computational analysis by: 1) building a hyperspectral library of HABs optical properties with the PhytoPlankton Light Scattering (PPLS) prototype instrument and 2) Developing species-specific remote sensing algorithms using the spectral information gathered from the PPLS or HAB risk maps based on satellite-derived environmental parameters. The PPLS is an innovative new instrument in development and one of the first to simultaneously measure hyperspectral absorbance and backscattering properties of phytoplankton in vivo in the lab. The successful applicant will have certain freedom to design and perform original research within this general project framework in a highly collaborative environment. There will be potential opportunities to participate in fieldwork activities in collaboration with local stakeholders such as aquaculture farmers, UGA Marine Extension, or SeaGrant Phytoplankton Monitoring Network. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to present their research at scientific conferences and benefit from professional development activities.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position:
Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Oceanography, Ocean Optics, Remote Sensing, Earth Sciences or a related field required at the time of appointment. Experience handling phytoplankton cultures or willingness to learn is needed. Experience with optical instrumentation such as ac-s, hyper-bb, oscar, and associated software/hardware systems is preferred. Experience with computer programming in python, MATLAB, R or similar is desired but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies :
Experience in ocean optics or ocean color image processing is needed. Applicants should be independently motivated and enthusiastic about research. Proficient in English language (written and verbal) and quantitative analytical skills are essential.
Physical Demands:
Sit for long periods of time. Driving as needed to perform job duties.
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?:
Yes
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. Sara Rivero-Calle
Recruitment Contact Email:
rivero@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
912-598-2333
Salary : $47,476