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

Skidaway Institute is a multidisciplinary research institution located on a 700-acre campus, 16 miles southeast of Savannah, Georgia. The main campus of the Institute is located on the Skidaway River, part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, with access to estuarine, coastal, and marine environments. Its combination of location near coastal and ocean waters, and state-of-the-art research instrumentation and facilities, generates opportunities for collaboration with Skidaway Institute's strongly interdisciplinary and internationally recognized faculty.

Skidaway Institute was created in 1968 to serve as a base of operations and central facility for marine interests within the University System of Georgia. In 2013, Skidaway Institute merged with UGA to synergize assets in marine and coastal programs and to build instruction, research and outreach capacity. The Institute and its Director report to the Vice President for Research at UGA and Skidaway Institute faculty members are appointed in the Department of Marine Sciences in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Skidaway Institute is a self-reliant research facility with 10 permanent faculty, 20 PhD/MSc students and 32 scientific and operations support staff. Skidaway Institute had over $5 million in total research expenditures in the prior fiscal year, with nearly 90% from federal funding sources. A more detailed history of the Institute can be found here: UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography

Skidaway Institute operates a 104-foot coastal class research vessel, the R/V Savannah. Purpose-built for regional oceanographic research and having undergone its mid-life refit in 2024, the vessel is part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System ( UNOLS ). More information on the R/V Savannah can be found here: Research Vessel Savannah.

Skidaway Institute provides graduate students based in Savannah with research-based graduate training in faculty labs. Skidaway Institute offers ongoing in-person and online graduate and undergraduate courses in marine sciences with hundreds of enrolled students, using state-of-the-art remote teaching systems linking classrooms at Skidaway and in Athens. Experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate Ocean Science majors are provided through the residential capstone Semester@Skidaway domestic field study program. Annually, Skidaway Institute hosts more than 200 visiting scientists and students from all over the world. For housing visitors, the Skidaway Institute campus has 34 beds in 10 housing units.

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

07/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

02/11/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

The preferred start date is no later than July 1, 2027. To receive optimal consideration, applications should be submitted prior to November 1, 2026; however, this is a rolling search, and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Application materials should include a cover letter explaining the candidate's interest in the position and how the minimum and preferred qualifications are met, and a current curriculum vitae, along with a statement of research and teaching interests. A list of four references and their full contact information is required at the time of application. However, references will not be contacted without the knowledge and consent of the candidate.

Questions, nominations and/or other inquiries regarding this rolling search should be directed to Dr. Merryl Alber, Chair of the Search Committee, at malber@uga.edu.

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 (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.

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

The University of Georgia ( UGA ), a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive institution of higher education. UGA invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (Skidaway Institute) located on Skidaway Island near Savannah, Georgia. The Director will also be appointed as a tenured professor in the UGA Department of Marine Sciences, which includes faculty based at Skidaway Institute and on the main UGA campus in Athens.

Responsibilities of the Director:

• is the most senior administrator at Skidaway Institute and has overall responsibility for personnel, budgets, and facilities at Skidaway Institute;
• models and fosters a climate of collegiality while providing the strategic and institutional vision for vigorous, collaborative research;
• directly oversees the faculty in their research role, as well as the Director of Finance and Operations, Marine Superintendent, Public Relations/ Communications Coordinator, and an administrative assistant;
• conducts or oversees annual evaluations of all Skidaway Institute staff and supports their professional development;
• promotes and facilitates externally funded research at Skidaway Institute;
• works collaboratively with the Department of Marine Sciences Head to recruit, mentor, and evaluate Skidaway Institute faculty;
• works closely with the Department of Marine Sciences Head to integrate Skidaway Institute faculty into the Department's strategic research, education, service, and outreach initiatives;
• partners with UGA's other coastal units, including the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, to develop impactful initiatives consistent with their respective missions;
• identifies and expands collaborative opportunities with other University System of Georgia institutions and UGA colleges and schools;
• keeps the Office of Research, Department of Marine Sciences, and other stakeholders informed of Skidaway Institute initiatives and opportunities;
• works closely with the UGA Office of Governmental Relations to elevate Skidaway Institute legislative priorities; and
• represents Skidaway Institute in regional, national, and international organizations and venues.

The Director, while first and foremost the administrator of the Institute and its functions, will be expected to remain active in research that advances the research and education missions of Skidaway Institute and the Department of Marine Sciences.

The Director reports to the Vice President for Research in their administrative role and to the Head of the Department of Marine Sciences 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

Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must demonstrate how they meet the following minimum qualifications and possess academic credential appropriate for appointment as a Full Professor with tenure at UGA .

• PhD in marine sciences, oceanography or a closely related field.
• Evidence of an established international reputation.
• Evidence of prior sustained support from federal, state or foundation grants or contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative manner with faculty, staff and administrators while creating a climate of collegiality and a positive work environment.
• Evidence of successful supervision and mentorship of faculty, staff and students in a research capacity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning and the execution of strategic plans to successful outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications
While meeting all the minimum qualifications, the preferred candidate will have one or more of the following qualifications:

• Prior service at a public or private research-intensive institution
• Prior demonstrated success in leading innovative research and educational programs.
• Prior demonstrated effectiveness in running complex research departments or programs including managing research and administrative staff.
• Prior accomplishments as a principal investigator on interdisciplinary and multi-investigatorexternally funded research grants or contracts.
• Prior demonstrated success in recruiting and mentoring faculty.
• Clear understanding of the responsibilities associated with department head and/or dean-level academic administration.
• Expertise or familiarity with managing research vessel operations.

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