Associate Research Scientist

University of Georgia

University of Georgia

Athens, GA, USA
Posted on Apr 11, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Details
Posting Number F2339P
Working Title Associate Research Scientist
Department Franklin-Physics & Astronomy
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The Department, which currently has 23 faculty members, 10 of whom work in the area of nanoscience and condensed matter physics, has extensive collaborations in the Department of Chemistry, the School of Engineering, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including a quantum network graduate student training program. The University of Georgia is a member of the Battelle Savannah River Alliance managing and operating the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). Researchers have the opportunity to build collaborations with SRNL research staff as well as leverage co-located facilities such as the planned DOE Advanced Manufacturing Cooperative, which will include cutting-edge materials modeling and simulations.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, its many units, and the University of Georgia are committed to multidisciplinary research, collaboration, academic innovation, and to sustaining a work and learning environment that is inclusive.
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary
Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2025
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date 04/01/2025
Job Closing Date
Open until filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Candidates should submit a cover letter with a brief summary of their scientific background, strengths, plan, and any teaching experience; a complete curriculum vitae; and a statement of research interests. In addition, applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be emailed directly by the reference to the search committee chair, Prof. Yohannes Abate (Yohannes.Abate@uga.edu). Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Abate.
All applications received by May 1, 2025 will receive full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area
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, 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.

Position Details

Position Information
Classification Title Researcher AC
FLSA
Faculty Rank Associate Research Scientist
Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in one of the physical sciences or in engineering.
Position Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia invites applications for an Associate Research Scientist position with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2025.
The candidate will conduct and support experimental research in quantum science. In particular, the successful candidate will collaborate with UGA faculty and researchers on cutting-edge projects in experimental neuromorphic systems and/or nano-optics. The candidate will also be responsible for fostering research collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners, driving the development of new technologies and methodologies. In addition, the position includes maintaining and optimizing advanced research instrumentation, ensuring the lab operates at the highest level of technical capability. The candidate will also play a key role in mentoring and training undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers, helping to build a strong, interdisciplinary research team.
Additional Requirements
Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in one of the physical sciences or in engineering, with a strong background in relevant quantum science research. A minimum of five years of experimental research experience is required. Candidates must be eligible for initial appointment at the Associate Research Scientist level. Please see the requirements in the Unit Criteria for Promotion for the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Competitive applicants should have experimental skills from several of the following categories:
  • Nano-optical measurements such as tip-based techniques and optical measurements of solids or solid-state quantum photonic systems (such as single photon sources, quantum sensors, etc.);
  • AFM and other scanning probe methods;
  • Laser instrumentation;
  • Optical/optoelectronic measurements under low temperatures;
  • Device fabrication, lithography techniques, fabricating/transferring 2D materials and Van der Waals heterostructures and neuromorphic nanodevices.
Applicants should have strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling them to effectively mentor students at various levels of experience and aptitude. They should also possess excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and creatively.
Physical Demands
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 responsibility 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
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
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.
Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
Optional Documents