Postdoctoral Research Associate–Cohen Lab
Posting Details
Position Details
Posting Number G/R32085P Working Title Postdoctoral Research Associate–Cohen 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/about/uga-skidaway-institute-story/ 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 02/04/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants 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
Duties/Responsibilities
Perform data analysis as required for the research project.
Percentage of time 85 Duties/Responsibilities
Timely dissemination of results in peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Percentage of time 15
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary
The Cohen Lab is recruiting a highly interdisciplinary applicant to lead independent research initiatives within the disciplines of biological oceanography and marine microbial ecology. Research opportunities include integrating geochemistry with meta-omics and investigating metalloprotein abundance patterns across the North Atlantic Ocean. Of particular interest are examining the influences of trace metal availability on eukaryotic phytoplankton metal metabolism.
Funds to support this position come from a Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation award to UGA.
The position is for 12 months initially, with a start date no earlier than July 1, 2026, renewable for up to one additional 12-month term contingent on satisfactory progress and funding availability.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position
Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Biological Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Computational Biology, or a related field at the time of appointment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
Experience in biological oceanography, marine biogeochemistry, and/or computational biology is required.
Direct, hands-on experience with omics, including 16S and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing, (meta)genomics, (meta) transcriptomics, or (meta) proteomics is needed.
Biostatistical omic skills including differential expression analyses and network analyses are preferred. Familiarity with marine trace metal geochemistry is preferred.
Proficiency with a coding language is also strongly preferred.
Applicants Should Be Independently Motivated And Enthusiastic About Research.
Proficiency in English language (written and verbal) and quantitative analytical skills are essential.
Physical Demands
Will 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 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. Natalie Cohen Recruitment Contact Email cohen@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
• * This position is located on the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography campus in Savannah, GA. Are you willing to work from this location?
• Yes
• No
• * Do you have a valid Driver's license?
• YES
• NO
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
Optional Documents
Higher Education
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Full-time