The University of Georgia is hiring: Post Doctoral AD- Wurzburger in Athens

Posting Number:

G/R31276P

Working Title:

Post Doctoral AD- Wurzburger

Department:

Ecology-Odum School of Ecology

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 (). 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.

Employment Type:

Employee

Anticipated Start Date:

01/01/2026

Posting Date:

09/29/2025

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications received by October 15th will receive full consideration.

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 Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at

Duties/Responsibilities.

Design and conduct model simulations of mycorrhizal roles in soil organic matter cycling and plant nitrogen acquisition. This will involve parameterizing microbial traits in a microbial‑explicit soil organic matter model, synthesizing and analyzing existing observations of biogeochemistry as well as new data from experiments and observations. Publish model results in peer‑reviewed journal articles

Percentage of time:

70

Duties/Responsibilities.

Contribute to experimental and observational data collection and analysis, including isotope tracer experiments, measurements of fungal productivity, and characterization of fungal communities

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities.

Communicate model developments and research results through meetings with the PI, lab group, collaborators, and conference presentations.

Percentage of time:

10

Classification Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate AD

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Position Summary:

The Wurzburger Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate who will focus on modeling interactions between plants, mycorrhizal fungi, and soil organic matter cycling in forest ecosystems. This position is part of a DOE‑funded project investigating the role of ericoid mycorrhizal shrubs in soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, using a combination of field measurements, experiments, and modeling. As part of the research team, the postdoc will develop and test numerical models of soil organic matter cycling that incorporate ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and other microbial processes, and conduct model simulations of carbon and nitrogen cycling under different scenarios of plant traits, and forest mycorrhizal composition. The postdoc will collaborate with colleagues conducting laboratory and field measurements, including isotopic tracer experiments, measurements of fungal productivity, and evaluation fungal community structure as part of the broader ericoid project. The postdoc will be based in the Wurzburger Lab at the University of Georgia, and will work closely with collaborators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dartmouth College and University of Wisconsin. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to engage with other ongoing biogeochemical projects on prescribed fire and wildfire. The position is funded for 2 years. For additional information, please contact Nina Wurzburger (ninawurz@uga.edu).

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

PhD in ecology, biogeochemistry or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Research experience in terrestrial ecosystem biogeochemistry, including soil carbon and nitrogen cycling
• Demonstrated understanding of microbial processes, including role of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi in ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycling.
• Experience running, analyzing, or evaluating ecosystem or biogeochemical models
• Programming experience in python, R, or similar language
• Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills
• Record of publication in the peer‑reviewed literature.

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 Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Hanna Crawford

Recruitment Contact Email:

hanna.dockery@uga.edu