Graduate Research Assistant for Predictive Modeling (Fall 2026)

Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant for Predictive Modeling (Fall 2026) Location: UWG Recruiting Location Regular/Temporary: Temporary Full/Part Time: Part-Time Job ID: 299863 About Us Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student‑centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post‑graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first‑choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state. The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well‑being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more! Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small‑town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region. At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year‑round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award‑winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus. The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community. Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Job Summary The Graduate Assistant will actively contribute to the work of the Computing Department by fulfilling the following responsibilities: MD Simulation and Analysis [15%]: Configure and execute molecular dynamics simulation protocols using existing MD simulators on a GPU‑enabled virtual machine to reproduce hydrogen‑bond network behavior in water‑glycerol systems at supercooled temperatures. Process and interpret trajectory data, compute diffusion coefficients, quantify hydrogen‑bond lifetimes, and analyze network morphology, connectivity, and local structural heterogeneity relevant to proton transport. Machine Learning Integration [50%]: Prepare simulation‑ and experiment‑derived datasets for machine learning analysis, including feature extraction from structural descriptors such as hydrogen‑bond connectivity, local density, network topology, and diffusion‑related quantities. Train, evaluate, analyze, and tune deep neural network models to predict proton mobility from molecular and structural features. Compare model performance across descriptor sets and identify which structural features are most predictive of proton transport behavior. Research Dissemination [35%]: Contribute to the preparation of research outputs, including conference abstracts, posters, presentations, journal manuscripts, and internal progress reports. Assist with organizing simulation, analysis, and machine learning results into publication‑quality figures, tables, and written summaries that communicate the relationship between hydrogen‑bond network structure and proton mobility in supercooled water‑glycerol systems. Required Qualifications To be considered for a graduate assistantship at the University of West Georgia (UWG), students must meet the following criteria: Be fully admitted to a graduate degree program at UWG. Please note: Students admitted provisionally are not eligible for assistantship positions. Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Be enrolled full‑time in a UWG graduate program during the assistantship period. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previous and current graduate coursework and remain in good academic standing. Meet eligibility requirements for employment in the United States. Preferred Qualifications The GRA should be enrolled in the graduate program in Applied Computer Science. The position requires prior experience with research projects, preferably involving scientific computing, machine learning, data analysis, simulation workflows, or computational modeling. Familiarity with (Python) programming, Linux‑based computing environments, and GPU‑enabled workflows is strongly preferred. Proposed Salary Annual monthly stipend of $1,000.00 per month A tuition waiver, reducing your semester rate to $25 plus mandatory fees as long as you are employed in your assistantship. Required Documents to Attach Applicants should submit a current resume and a brief cover letter of no more than one page. The cover letter should describe the applicant’s interest in this research project, relevant academic or research experience, and professional goals related to the project. Applicants should also explain how the experience would support their academic development in research and how it connects to their career plans after graduation. UWG Graduate School acceptance letter Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Applicants should have a strong interest in computational research, machine learning, molecular simulation, and/or scientific data analysis. Prior experience with Python, Linux environments, research projects, or GPU‑enabled computing is strongly preferred. This position requires strong attention to detail, rigor in data handling and analysis, careful documentation, and the ability to follow research protocols accurately. Applicants should be prepared to work independently after training, attend regular research meetings, and contribute to simulation analysis, machine learning development, and research dissemination activities. Contact Information For questions or further information about this position, please contact Dr. Ana Stanescu at View email address on click.appcast.io. USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line at Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at Conditions of Employment 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 West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of West Georgia