What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post Doctoral Research Associate position at The University of Georgia?
Posting Details
Position Details
Posting Number G/R33410P Working Title Post Doctoral Research Associate Department Franklin-Geography 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
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40 units.
College/Unit/Department website https://geography.uga.edu/ Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience Anticipated Start Date 09/01/2026 Posting Date 05/29/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin June 15 with an anticipated start date of September 1.
Location of Vacancy Athens 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Climate data and modeling analysis
Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Manuscript preparation and writing
Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Sample preparation and isotopic Measurement
Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
Professional development
Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Grant preparation and writing
Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities
Field work
Percentage of time 5
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary
The EcoClimate Variability Lab in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position to investigate the forces controlling hydroclimate in eastern North America (ENA) over the last 21,000 years. Working with Dr. David Fastovich, the successful candidate will help synthesize a network of leaf wax hydrogen isotope records from five well-dated lake sediment archives along a latitudinal gradient through ENA. The project uses the last deglaciation as a natural experiment to disentangle the influence of greenhouse gas, ice sheet, and ocean heat transport forcings on northward moisture transport and the westerly storm tracks that deliver precipitation to the region. Reconstructed records will be compared against isotope-enabled climate simulations to constrain hydroclimate sensitivities and identify the model components responsible for persistent precipitation biases in ENA.
Ideal candidates will have experience, or interest in developing skills, in two or more of the following: synoptic-scale climatology of North America, analysis of climate model output, and leaf wax biomarker geochemistry. The EcoClimate Variability Lab is housed within the Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS), which provides routine access to the full suite of instrumentation needed to measure hydrogen and carbon isotopes of organic biomarkers. CAIS also hosts one of the country’s premier radiocarbon facilities, creating natural openings for new collaborations.
UGA is a strong environment for an early-career researcher working at the intersection of paleoclimate and climate dynamics. The Department of Geography has exceptional depth in Quaternary sciences, with faculty leading research in paleoclimate, paleoecology, and environmental anthropology, and an atmospheric sciences program with expertise ranging from mesoscale climatology to synoptic dynamics.
The successful candidate will be supported through a structured mentoring plan that includes an individual development plan, regular meetings with Dr. Fastovich, opportunities to co-lead or lead proposals, and access to professional development resources through the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Strategic Research Development, and the Career Center. The scholar will also have opportunities to mentor students and attend the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research annual members meeting as an early-career researcher. Athens is an affordable, walkable college town with a deep cultural community.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position
PhD in Earth Science, Geology, Geography, or related discipline
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
Experience in organic geochemistry or climate model analyses
Physical Demands
Standing/sitting at a fume hood for long periods of time for analytical work and spending long periods of time at a computer for writing/analyses.
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? No 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 Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Dr. David Fastovich Recruitment Contact Email fastovich@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Position Details
Posting Number G/R33410P Working Title Post Doctoral Research Associate Department Franklin-Geography 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
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40 units.
College/Unit/Department website https://geography.uga.edu/ Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience Anticipated Start Date 09/01/2026 Posting Date 05/29/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin June 15 with an anticipated start date of September 1.
Location of Vacancy Athens 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Climate data and modeling analysis
Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Manuscript preparation and writing
Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Sample preparation and isotopic Measurement
Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
Professional development
Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Grant preparation and writing
Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities
Field work
Percentage of time 5
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary
The EcoClimate Variability Lab in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position to investigate the forces controlling hydroclimate in eastern North America (ENA) over the last 21,000 years. Working with Dr. David Fastovich, the successful candidate will help synthesize a network of leaf wax hydrogen isotope records from five well-dated lake sediment archives along a latitudinal gradient through ENA. The project uses the last deglaciation as a natural experiment to disentangle the influence of greenhouse gas, ice sheet, and ocean heat transport forcings on northward moisture transport and the westerly storm tracks that deliver precipitation to the region. Reconstructed records will be compared against isotope-enabled climate simulations to constrain hydroclimate sensitivities and identify the model components responsible for persistent precipitation biases in ENA.
Ideal candidates will have experience, or interest in developing skills, in two or more of the following: synoptic-scale climatology of North America, analysis of climate model output, and leaf wax biomarker geochemistry. The EcoClimate Variability Lab is housed within the Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS), which provides routine access to the full suite of instrumentation needed to measure hydrogen and carbon isotopes of organic biomarkers. CAIS also hosts one of the country’s premier radiocarbon facilities, creating natural openings for new collaborations.
UGA is a strong environment for an early-career researcher working at the intersection of paleoclimate and climate dynamics. The Department of Geography has exceptional depth in Quaternary sciences, with faculty leading research in paleoclimate, paleoecology, and environmental anthropology, and an atmospheric sciences program with expertise ranging from mesoscale climatology to synoptic dynamics.
The successful candidate will be supported through a structured mentoring plan that includes an individual development plan, regular meetings with Dr. Fastovich, opportunities to co-lead or lead proposals, and access to professional development resources through the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Strategic Research Development, and the Career Center. The scholar will also have opportunities to mentor students and attend the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research annual members meeting as an early-career researcher. Athens is an affordable, walkable college town with a deep cultural community.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position
PhD in Earth Science, Geology, Geography, or related discipline
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
Experience in organic geochemistry or climate model analyses
Physical Demands
Standing/sitting at a fume hood for long periods of time for analytical work and spending long periods of time at a computer for writing/analyses.
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? No 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 Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Dr. David Fastovich Recruitment Contact Email fastovich@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- List of References with Contact Information