Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Commensurate with qualifications and experience Anticipated Start Date 01/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 07/02/2025 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are asked to submit applications via UGAJobs along with the following: (1) a detailed curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter addressing the candidate's interests and potential as an avian microbiology diagnostician, immediate and long-term goals to improve microbiology diagnostic services, research interests, and teaching philosophy (maximum 3 pages); (3) the names, titles, and contact information for three professional references.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to: Dr. Naola Ferguson-Noel (naolaf@uga.edu)

All application materials must be received by September 15, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. As required by University of Georgia policy, the successful candidate will be subject to background investigation.
Location of Vacancy Athens 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 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 Details

Position Information

Classification Title Open Rank FLSA Faculty Rank Open Rank (Tenure Track) Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in diagnostic/clinical microbiology, epidemiology and ecology of infectious disease.
Position Summary
The University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the field of Avian Microbiology. Service, research and teaching responsibilities are associated with this position. The candidate will head the avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostic section in the Diagnostic Laboratory at the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center (PDRC) which provides diagnostic service to the local and national poultry industry. The position will have emphasis on diagnostic service and applied research toward development and validation of novel diagnostic assays and platforms.

The candidate will be also be expected to initiate or collaborate in research related to poultry diseases and provide instruction on avian microbiology to graduate students including those in the Master of Avian Medicine (MAM) and online Master of Avian Health and Medicine (MAHM) degree programs. In addition, the faculty member is expected to work well as a team member and collaborate within the department providing support to clinical faculty and field veterinarians with the aim of solving problems in the poultry industry.

Rank, salary, and terms of appointment will be dependent upon qualifications and experience of the applicant.
Additional Requirements
Tenure Track Assistant Professor Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD in microbiology as it relates to animal health, or a related discipline.

Tenure Track Associate Professor Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD in microbiology as it relates to animal health, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5-years of experience in rank at the Assistant Professor level before the start date.

Guidelines for the Appointment, Promotion, & Tenure of Academic Rank Faculty can be found here: https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure-evaluation/promotion-and-tenure/promotion-guidelines/

Discipline-specific criteria and procedures for promotion and tenure can be found at: https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/ptu-criteria-population-health.pdf
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Preference will be given to candidates with a DVM or equivalent degree and with 1-2 years of experience working in a diagnostic laboratory.
• Candidates with board certification with the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists or American College of Poultry Veterinarians or equivalent, or eligibility to take the board examination would be preferred.
• Two years of postdoctoral experience or equivalent in the field of avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostics before the start date is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge: Avian microbiology, classic and molecular diagnostic bacteriology/mycology methods, next generation approaches to microbiology, poultry production, diseases of poultry, and food safety.

• Skills: Oral and written communication, leadership, analytical, service.

• Abilities: Problem solving, perseverance, commitment to service, scientific curiosity, team member, supervisor.

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? 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

1. Serve as the Head of the avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostic section of the Diagnostic Laboratory at PDRC. Responsible for maintaining a functional and competent avian bacteriology/mycology diagnostic laboratory, providing high quality and timely results, and supervising members of the laboratory.
2. Perform research in avian microbiology.
3. Teach graduate students in the MAM, MAHM, MS, and PhD programs.

Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents