Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Aquaculture & Fisheries

This is advanced senior-level, professional biological work with responsibility for providing scientific expertise in marine aquaculture. Characteristic duties include collection and evaluation of field and laboratory biological specimens and/or data to make recommendations to upper level management with the information necessary to make management and program decisions. The incumbent works with algae culture for production to meet yield volumes for hatchery operations. Incumbents are expected to conduct, evaluate, and interpret scientific data and studies with considerable independent judgment and discretion under the general supervision of a higher-level biologist, scientist or an administrative or technical supervisor. Interaction with members of local, state, and federal regulatory entities, special interest groups, and the general public, including speaking to large and small groups is required. Incumbents at the senior level act as project managers in the performance of related duties and supervision may be exercised over others. Work is planned, reviewed, and evaluated in conferences with supervisor. The position is associated with Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The Center is part of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), a unit of the University of Southern Mississippi. The Center is located on the Cedar Point campus of GCRL, a 225-acre site devoted primarily to marine aquaculture. The Center currently includes approximately 100,000 square feet of culture space devoted to live feed, broodstock, hatchery, nursery/growout, laboratory, experimental, and analytical facilities. Support for aquaculture operations at other USM/GCRL sites may be required based on research priorities.

Responsibilities:

A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of this job which are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties or requirements are essential job functions. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

• Adheres to University and department policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Conducts and successfully coordinates with other team members algae operations from the clean room through scale-up to mass culture for production of algae to meet yield volumes for hatchery operations and maintains detailed, accurate data records for monitoring parameters and production data while coordinating with other team members for efficient operations.
• Aids in designing, coordinating and conducting advanced level scientific studies and research projects; defines the scope and objectives of research projects; analyzes data, prepares technical and non-technical reports and helps formulates technical recommendations related to aquaculture program management.
• Participates in project development and management, including planning, statements of work, project budgets, scheduling, equipment purchases, and commodities and services procurement.
• Participates in informational, educational and outreach programs and may provide training as part of staff development or public programs.
• Performing other similar duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in, Aquaculture, Biology, Fisheries Biology, Biological Science, Marine Biology Marine Ecology, Ichthyology, Microbiology or a related field; AND Two (2) years’ experience related to the described duties. - OR - A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Aquaculture, Biology, Fisheries Biology, Biological Science, Marine Biology Marine Ecology, Ichthyology, Microbiology or a related field; AND Three (3) years’ experience related to the described duties.
• Experience maintaining collections of freshwater and saltwater culture of microalgae in various media
• Experience with cell culture and sterile technique. Microalgae culture and large-scale microalgae cultivation experience preferred.
• Experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and instruments including photobioreactors, multiparameter sensors and compound microscopes.
• Experience following standard operating procedures for algae culture
• Experience with recirculating aquaculture systems, system design and plumbing
• Experience in planning, executing, and reporting of experiments.
• Proficient use of personal computers and applications including Microsoft Office and statistical software.
• Knowledge of microorganisms and taxonomy
• Experience with data management and analysis
• The ability to be proactive, resourceful and self-motivated.
• Strong communications skills both in the written and verbal form