Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number |
S13298P |
Working Title |
Research Professional |
Department |
Warnell-Research |
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 |
|
College/Unit/Department website |
|
Posting Type |
External |
Retirement Plan |
TRS or ORP |
Employment Type |
Employee |
Benefits Eligibility |
Benefits Eligible |
Full/Part time |
Part Time |
Work Schedule |
|
Additional Schedule Information |
Will be working in Costa Rica. Hours will vary outside of regular business hours. |
Advertised Salary |
42500 |
Posting Date |
02/27/2025 |
Open until filled |
Yes |
Closing Date |
|
Proposed Starting Date |
03/17/2025 |
Special Instructions to Applicants |
|
Location of Vacancy |
Outside Georgia |
EEO Policy Statement |
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran 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 Information
Classification Title |
Research Professional AD |
FLSA |
Exempt |
FTE |
.895 |
Minimum Qualifications |
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications. |
Preferred Qualifications |
A PhD in ecology, wildlife management, epidemiology or other relevant disciplines is preferred. |
Position Summary |
A Research Professional is needed to implement a project to initiate a national health surveillance program on tapirs in Costa Rica. This project will entail the capture and sample collection from tapirs, but also horses. The applicant will be working in rural areas. Excellent communication skills is a necessity. This position will drive in Costa Rica and will mentor students, early-career veterinarians, and work along side teams of biologists, farmers, educators and other professionals. |
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies |
Knowledge and abilities preferred in the areas of:
- Field anesthesia of large wild mammals; handling of horses; sample collection, storage and handling of biological samples in tropical countries
- Excellent communication skills; excellent leadership and people-management skills.
- BS or equivalent education in Biology or relevant fields
- Should be a DVM and have at least 2 years of experience working as a wildlife veterinarian and be proficient with relevant skills such as field anesthesia and biological sample collection.
- Practical experience with the concepts and application of One Health and Conservation Medicine.
- Experience working with tapirs and horses is preferred.
- Proficiency in Spanish is integral to this job
|
Physical Demands |
- Driving in urban and rural areas in Costa Rica
- Walking long distances
- Working at night or outside regular business hours
- Carrying heavy equipment into the field; working with horses
|
Is driving a responsibility of this position? |
Yes |
Is this a Position of Trust? |
Yes |
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? |
Yes |
Does this position require a P-Card? |
No |
Is having a P-Card an essential function 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 |
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
Duties/Responsibilities |
- Implement the objectives listed within our formally funded proposal while conducting fieldwork, data collection, and laboratory analyses as necessary.
- Collect and analyze ecological and health data from Baird's tapirs and their environment using
GPS tracking, camera traps, biological sampling (blood, feces, and tissue), and pathogen screening.- Complement our camera trap network Tenorio-Miravalles Biological Corridor (TMBC), by deploying camera traps along an anthropogenic gradient at Tenorio Volcano National Park (TNP), to assess the body condition of tapirs captured in the images.
- Conduct data analysis using statistical R software to assess disease prevalence, movement ecology through the use of Home Range and Step Selection Function (SSFs) analyses, and population health trends.
- Conduct pathogen screening using DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and molecular techniques such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify and characterize potential viral and bacterial pathogens such as Equine Encephalitis (Eastern, Western, Venezuelan), Vesicular Stomatitis, Equine Influenza, Equine Herpesvirus, and Equine Piroplasmosis.
- Synthesize and interpret research findings to guide conservation management strategies.
- Prepare reports and presentations, ensuring timely reporting of all fieldwork to supervisors
|
Percentage of time |
70 |
Duties/Responsibilities |
The candidate will assist in maintaining the Hernandez lab communications |
Percentage of time |
10 |
Duties/Responsibilities |
The applicant will be expected to attend regular Hernandez lab meetings to report findings. |
Percentage of time |
10 |
Duties/Responsibilities |
The candidate will have to maintain consistent and positive communication with all external project personnel during their time spent working on this project. |
Percentage of time |
5 |
Duties/Responsibilities |
The candidate will be responsible for maintaining the appropriate permits required for the project to continue with no interuptions |
Percentage of time |
5 |
|