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.
Duties/Responsibilities
Administration 70%
- 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.
Research 25%
- 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.
Service 5%
- 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.
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-investigator externally 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.
