Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2657P

Working Title

Director of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Professor

Department

VPR-Skidaway Inst Oceanography

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

https://www.skio.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

07/01/2026

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

02/11/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit the following documentation:

• A cover letter
• A CV/Resume
• A statement of research accomplishments and goals (not to exceed 3 pages)
• A list of at least three references with contact information

For full consideration, please submit your materials by April 1, 2026. Applications received after this date will still be considered until the position is filled, but priority will be given to those received before the deadline.

Nominations, questions and/or other inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Merryl Alber, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected], with the subject line "Skidaway."

Location of Vacancy

Savannah Area

EEO 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 ([email protected]).

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.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Director, College/Division/School AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Professor

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in marine sciences, oceanography or a closely related field.

Position Summary

This position is based at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah, GA. The Director is the most senior administrator of the Skidaway Institute, and has overall responsibility for strategic initiatives and fiscal planning, promoting externally funded research and impactful educational programs, managing campus infrastructure and advancing major capital projects. Additional responsibilities for the Director include overseeing the Institute staff, serving as supervisor of record for Skidaway-based faculty, providing support for research, outreach and educational programs, and working to foster partnerships and communication. The Director models and fosters a climate of collegiality while providing the strategic and institutional vision for vigorous, collaborative research and education. The person in this position will hold their primary academic appointment as a full-professor in the UGA Department of Marine Sciences and is expected to remain active in research. The Director reports to the UGA Vice President for Research in their administrative role and to the Head of the Department of Marine Sciences and other relevant units in their faculty role.

Additional Requirements

The position requires the academic credentials appropriate for appointment as a Full Professor at UGA . See the UGA Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure of Academic Rank Faculty and the Marine Sciences Promotion and Tenure Guidelines.

To be eligible for tenure on appointment, candidates must have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Any request for tenure upon appointment must be approved before hire.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Evidence of an established international reputation in marine and/or oceanographic sciences.
• Demonstrated interest and record of success in strategic initiatives, campus oversight (including familiarity with research vessel operations), personnel management (both staff and faculty), and other activities described in the job duties.
• Demonstrated understanding of the scope and responsibilities associated with academic administration.
• Evidence of successful supervision, mentorship and professional development of staff, students, and faculty.
• Prior accomplishments as a principal investigator on interdisciplinary and multi-investigator externally funded research.
• Research focus that is compatible with the with Institute and the Dept. of Marine Sciences.
• Proven record of teaching at the university level, with a strong emphasis on experiential education.
• Strong interpersonal skills and evidence of collegiality.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Physical Demands

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

Is driving a responsibility 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)

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

Administration


Strategic initiatives - Takes the lead on formulating and implementing the Institute's strategic vision; Provides high-level oversight for budget development, staffing requirements, and facilities planning; Promotes externally funded research; Identifies opportunities for collaborative partnerships.

Institute campus oversight - Manages Institute campus facilities, including the Research Vessel (R/V) Savannah; Competes for funding for major renovations and repairs; Provides leadership in the case of major disruptions such as hurricanes (including insurance claims) and other events.

Personnel management - Directly supervises the Director of Finance and Operations, Marine Superintendent, Director of External Affairs, and an Administrative Associate, and provides oversight for and supports professional development of all Institute faculty and staff; Serves as supervisor of record for Skidaway-based faculty and works with the Department of Marine Sciences Head to recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and prepare for promotion and tenure.

Programmatic support - Supports outreach/communications and educational programs at the Institute; Works closely with the Head of the Department of Marine Sciences to integrate Skidaway Institute faculty and students into the Department's strategic initiatives and enhance student success, including undergraduate and graduate educational activities, such as the Semester@Skidaway experiential learning field program and graduate recruitment events.

Partnerships & communication - Partners with UGA's other coastal units, UGA colleges and schools and University System of Georgia institutions to develop impactful initiatives consistent with their respective missions; Works closely with the UGA Office of Governmental Relations to elevate Institute legislative priorities; keeps the Office of Research, Department of Marine Sciences, and other stakeholders informed of Institute initiatives and opportunities; Represents the Institute in regional, national, and international venues.

Percentage Of Time

70

Duties/Responsibilities

Research

The Director is expected to remain active in their field, as evidenced by research grants awarded, publications, presentations, and activities that promote student success. The Director also has the opportunity to teach in undergraduate and graduate academic programs.

Percentage Of Time

25

Duties/Responsibilities

Service

All Marine Sciences faculty are expected to participate in service activities, as evidenced by service to the University and service activities that promote student success. Service to the Profession, Community and Society is included in their Research effort.

Percentage Of Time

5

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents