Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
M-F, 40 hours per week. Evening or weekend work may be required.
Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience Posting Date 10/09/2025 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 12/01/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy 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 Information

Classification Title Res Assc-Social Science III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field of science and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications Position Summary
The SSRL Lab Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations, research activities, and strategic direction of the Small Satellite Research Laboratory (SSRL). This position is responsible for managing, coordinating satellite mission design and operations, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The Lab Manager supervises students, interns, and hourly staff, while also contributing to scientific research, data analysis, and project management. Additionally, the role involves administrative oversight, budget management, training program development, and collaboration with external partners fostering collaboration with academic and industry partners.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
Physical Demands
Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling; spending long periods of time at a computer.
Is driving a responsibility of this position? No 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 Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No 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
Lab Management

• Run day-to-day SSRL operations and manage multiple teams working in the lab
• Manage purchasing, financial, and personnel activities with decision-making authority.
• Ensure lab members are properly trained, ESD, cleanroom, building access, working with interns, etc.
• Assure safety protocols and other regulatory factors are written, up to date, and in compliance with the laboratory.
• Lead lab/group meetings to review findings, discuss research aims, develop skills, and provide overall direction.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Scientific Contribution/ Presentation of Results

• Co-author publications and may co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences.
• Assist the director in new satellite mission proposal development and report building
• Communicate all outcomes of the research with PI, in presentations, as well as contribute to writing publications and grant.
• Co-teach a small section of a CubeSat course
• Communicate research updates with NASA Centers and funding agencies regularly

Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities
Data Management/Analysis

• Manage and maintain SSRL data and personnel data
• Coordinate data acquisition and screening and verify the data.
• Conduct analysis of data, interpret and implement research methodology based on outcome of analysis.
• Oversee lab data management and evaluation

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Project Management

• Supervise, assist, and collaborate with students, post-docs, and faculty in the design and testing operations of new missions.
• Establish daily laboratory priorities and assign jobs to lab members.
• Ensure all assigned functions are aimed towards a common research goal.
• Manage project timelines to ensure goals and milestones are met.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Administrative Duties

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the lab and projects and may supervise exempt and non-exempt research and support personnel.
• Working closely with the sponsors and vendors to ensure tasks are completed on time
• Provide expertise to further the department's instructional and research goals.
• Develop short-term and long-term plans to track project goals, budgetary issues such as lab purchases and salary costs, and time management of personnel and equipment.
• Assist in grant and manuscript preparation, oversee ordering and budgets.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Supervision

• Meeting with student team leads at least once a week and other student members periodically assign them tasks and supervise the hands-on exercises;
• Monitor lab recruitment every Fall and Spring semester
• Recruit and supervise interns, CURO students, and YoungDawgs
• Ensure lab members are properly trained, ESD, cleanroom, building access, working with interns, etc.
• Act as the immediate supervisor to all students employed by the lab
• Recommend pay rates and subsequent adjustments;
• Ensure employees are trained in job responsibilities and provide for ongoing development;
• Manage the performance review process and address performance deficiencies and disciplinary issues as needed;
• Set work schedules and approve leave requests, etc.
• Work closely with the vendors to negotiate price and schedule

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Satellite Mission Operations and Design

• Develop, design, and conduct one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with the plan, review progress, and evaluate results.
• Operate with considerable latitude in unreviewed actions or decisions.
• Act as liaison with Co-PIs in other departments, divisions, or organizations.
• Develop protocol and criteria; supervise students in developing testing and evaluation procedures.
• Formulate research methods and suggest options for improving quality, identify potential problems, recommend and implement solutions, and collaborate in the development of new techniques.

Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities
Training

• Develop training programs and train users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations, and outcomes.
• Identify and prioritize education and development programs that benefit the lab and maintain up-to-date skills for lab personnel.

Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities
Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned by management to meet business needs

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Deepak Mishra Recruitment Contact Email dmishra@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents