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

This is entry-level, professional and technical scientific work with responsibility for providing scientific expertise in marine aquaculture. Characteristic duties include collection and evaluation of field and laboratory biological and aquatic specimens and/or data to make recommendations to upper level management for use in management and program decisions. The incumbent works with warm water marine species for the purpose of rearing juveniles for stock enhancement, commercial-scale grow out and experiments. Operations include broodstock management, live feeds production, larval and juvenile husbandry, health management, operation of recirculating aquaculture systems, and execution of experimental protocols. Interaction with faculty, staff and students on a variety of projects will be required. Work is performed using independent judgement under the limited supervision of a higher-level biologist, scientist or an administrative or technical supervisor. Incumbents may act as project leaders/managers in the performance of related duties. Supervision may be exercised over others. The position is associated with Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center in Ocean Springs, MS. 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 feeds, broodstock, hatchery, nursery/growout, laboratory, experimental, and analytical facilities. This is a full-time position that includes a full benefits package.  

Responsibilities:

• Adheres to University and department policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Participates in molecular genetic analyses, DNA extraction, library preparation, use of automated sequencers. 
• Follows standard operating procedures. 
• Participates in research projects, investigations and aquatic/biological studies in which the scope and objectives are established and based on standardized procedures and participates in translating the outcomes and results to form recommendations for management. 
• Provides detailed records and data entry for laboratory analyses results, monitoring parameters, and production data. 
• Performs maintenance of laboratory equipment and ordering of supplies. 
• Performs other similar duties as required or assigned.  

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Aquaculture, Biology, Microbiology, Fisheries Biology, Biological Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Ichthyology, or a related field. 
• Above graduation from a standard four-year college or university, related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with molecular techniques 
• Experience operating and maintaining molecular laboratory instruments, multiparameter sensors and compound microscopes
• Experience with recirculating aquaculture systems 
• Proficient use of personal computers and applications including Microsoft Office and statistical software. 
• Experience with Linux operating system. 
• The ability to take detailed direction and work independently. 
• The ability to be proactive, resourceful and self-motivated. 
• Proficient interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal form.