Postdoctoral Research Associate AD (Thippareddi)
Posting Number:
G/R32404P
Working Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate AD (Thippareddi)
Department:
CAES-Poultry Science
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.
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://poultry.caes.uga.edu/
Employment Type:
Employee
Anticipated Start Date:
04/01/2026
Posting Date:
03/09/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
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 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:
• Conduct isolation, culture, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of zoonotic and foodborne bacterial pathogens.
• Perform whole-genome sequencing (Oxford Nanopore and/or short-read platforms) and bioinformatic analyses including genome assembly, annotation, and resistome characterization.
• Develop and validate molecular diagnostic assays (qPCR, ddPCR, isothermal amplification).
• Support pathogen surveillance efforts in livestock production systems and foods of animal origin.
• Conduct laboratory work in BSL-2 and, when appropriate, BSL-3 facilities in compliance with institutional biosafety standards.
Percentage Of Time:
75
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Perform statistical analyses using R and/or SPSS.
• Conduct phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses.
• Integrate geospatial epidemiology tools (e.g., QGIS) for surveillance mapping and risk assessment.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Prepare and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to development of grant proposals (USDA-NIFA, NIH, CDC, industry).
• Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory and bioinformatics methods.
• Collaborate with faculty and research teams across UGA engaged in One Health research initiatives.
Percentage Of Time:
5
Classification Title:
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Position Summary:
The University of Georgia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on microbial food safety, zoonotic pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and genomic epidemiology. This position will contribute to interdisciplinary research addressing emerging infectious diseases relevant to animal agriculture (focused on poultry), food safety, and public health.The successful candidate will support externally funded research programs involving foodborne pathogen surveillance, antimicrobial resistance profiling, whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, molecular diagnostic development, and epidemiological risk assessment.
Minimum Qualifications
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:
• Ph.D. in Veterinary Public Health, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Molecular Epidemiology, or related discipline by the start date.
• Experience in antimicrobial resistance research and pathogen genomics.
• Demonstrated expertise in bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, sequencing technologies, and genome analysis.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed scholarly publications.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with comparative genomics and AMR gene detection tools.
• Experience developing molecular diagnostic assays.
• Experience in viral culture and mammalian cell lines.
• Experience working in BSL-3 containment laboratories.
• Background in food safety or livestock production systems.
• Demonstrated success in competitive fellowship or externally funded research programs.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies :
• Proficiency in Linux-based bioinformatics environments.
• Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills (R preferred).
• Ability to design and troubleshoot molecular assays.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
Physical Demands:
Position involves laboratory-based research including prolonged standing, pipetting, handling biological samples, and working with microbial pathogens under appropriate biosafety containment conditions.
Is this a Position of Trust?:
Yes
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):
Yes
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:
Kim Kotkiewicz
Recruitment Contact Email:
kimk@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
706-542-1351
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