Post Doctoral Research Associate - Deng
Posting Details
Position Details
Posting Number G/R32646P Working Title Post Doctoral Research Associate - Deng Department CAES-Food Safety Center 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 College/Unit/Department website Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information
Monday-Friday; 8-5pm
Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience. Anticipated Start Date 06/01/2026 Posting Date 04/06/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Griffin 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
• Conduct research on lettuce microbiome modulation, especially its biocontrol potential and mechanism against E. coli O157:H7.
• Develop a HIPR-fish method to observe lettuce microbiome in planta.
• Validate a proposed model of Pseudomonas fluorescens A506 biocontrol mechanism against E. coli O157:H7.
• Present findings in national conferences and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities
Assist in other research projects and mentoring of graduate students. Projects include but not limited to:
• Scalable and local implementation of MashPit (DOI: 10.21105/joss.07306).
• The origins and prevalence of Salmonella Nitra.
• In-bag biocontrol of E. coli O157:H7 on fresh-cut lettuce.
Percentage of time 40
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary
• Conduct research on lettuce microbiome modulation, especially it biocontrol potential and mechanism against E. coli 0257:H7.
• Assist in other research projects and mentoring of graduate students.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position
Ph.D. in Food Microbiology; experience working with foodborne pathogens and fresh produce; strong data analytic skills including Python coding.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
Experience in working with foodborne pathogens and fresh produce; strong data analytic skills including Python coding. Microbiome, RNA-seq, Hipr-FISH, bioinformatics, Python, and in planta microbiological assays
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 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 Xiangyu Deng Recruitment Contact Email xdeng@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
Optional Documents
Higher Education
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Full-time