Postdoctoral Research Associate
Posting Number:
G/R32125P
Working Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department:
Franklin-Physics & Astronomy
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://www.zhao-nano-lab.com/
Employment Type:
Employee
Advertised Salary:
65,000.000
Anticipated Start Date:
07/01/2026
Posting Date:
02/05/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants:
This is a benefits eligible position.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Applicants should submit: - Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing research interests and fit for the position
• Three recommendation letters
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:
Research & Experimental Development:
Conduct Raman/SERS experiments; develop and validate measurement strategies; ensure reproducibility.
Percentage Of Time:
45
Data Analysis & Machine Learning:
Apply ML/statistical models to spectral data; perform computational analysis and validation.
Percentage Of Time:
25
Scholarly Dissemination & Reporting:
Publish results; present at conferences; contribute to funding reports.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Mentoring & Collaboration:
Mentor students; participate in interdisciplinary research and team activities.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Professional Development & Service:
Engage in training, outreach, and career-development activities.
Percentage Of Time:
5
Classification Title:
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Position Summary:
The University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on AI-enabled surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for precision molecular measurement and biophysical discovery. This position is supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and is intended to recruit new postdoctoral talent to UGA.
The postdoctoral scholar will conduct research at the interface of spectroscopy, nanofabrication, machine learning, microfluidics, and biological measurement science, contributing to the development of reproducible, scalable, and field-deployable SERS platforms. Applications include nucleic acid analysis, single-cell spectroscopy, plant metabolomics, environmental monitoring, and materials characterization. The position emphasizes quantitative rigor, reproducibility, and integration of experimental and computational approaches.
The postdoctoral researcher will work primarily under the mentorship of Prof. Yiping Zhao (Department of Physics), with opportunities for co-mentorship and close collaboration across physics, engineering, statistics, computer science, and biological sciences.
• Please note:
• This position is restricted to individuals new to UGA as of July 1, 2026.
• Applicants must hold a valid U.S. work authorization for the full duration of the appointment.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position:
• Required:
• Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the start date.
• Demonstrated hands-on experimental experience in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), including SERS substrate preparation, spectral acquisition, and data analysis.
• Evidence of research productivity, such as peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or significant research contributions.
• Preferred (Plus):
• Experience with microfluidics, chromatography, electrophoresis, or related separation and sample-preparation techniques.
• Experience applying machine learning, statistical modeling, or data-driven methods to spectroscopic or experimental datasets.
• Background in nanofabrication, plasmonic materials, or separation science.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific programming languages.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research spanning physical, computational, and biological sciences.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies :
• Ability to conduct independent, self-directed research while working effectively and collegially within a collaborative team.
• Strong quantitative reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with careful attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly document methods and present results.
• Ability to responsibly mentor and supervise students, contributing to a respectful and positive research environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and accountability, including the ability to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and follow established research protocols.
• Commitment to reproducibility, data integrity, ethical research conduct, and open science practices.
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 Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Yiping Zhao
Recruitment Contact Email:
zhaoy@uga.edu
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