Shellfish Positions Available

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PhD opportunity (Rhode Island, USA): Looking for an enthusiastic student to work on a funded PhD working on sustaining US/international sea urchin production in the field of aquaculture and fisheries. The position ideally would start in the Fall semester of 2020 or at the very latest the Spring semester of 2021 (with some paid work towards the end of 2020) in the University of Rhode Island’s College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS), USA. The work would entail conducting trials using the Bay Campus aquarium facilities located in Narragansett (RI) and conducting any physiological work or assay work on the nearby main Kingston campus lab facilities. Travel will be required to periodically collect samples from collaborators across the New England region. Requirements: the student must: 1) have completed and graduated with an MS in a related topic by the time of starting this position; 2)  be currently a resident within the US; 3)  be prepared to be included in intermittent weekend rotas for routine aquarium and animal checks; 4) have their own motor vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Experience is needed in: 1) Micro-algal and / or benthic diatom cultivation; 2) Rearing experience of the early life stages of marine organisms which ideally includes a settlement/metamorphosis life stage; 3) Statistical analysis and interpretation of outputs. Interested students must contact Dr Suckling with a 2 page cover letter (highlighting how they meet the above requirements and why this opportunity is important) and a 2 page resume to arrange a virtual meeting to discuss the opportunity. Contact should be made by email to [email protected]. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For more information on Dr Suckling’s research and group please visit the following links: General overview, team and outputs:www.coleensuckling.co.uk; University of Rhode Island’s College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) Graduate program overview: https://web.uri.edu/cels-gradprograms/bes/ (posted 7/29/20)

Palacios Oyster Hatchery Manager (Texas, USA): Manager will operate a commercial facility for the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization. This facility will be in Palacios, Texas, and will be managed by the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Responsibilities: Interact with construction manager in terms of site development and commissioning of facilities; Develop and implement hatchery production guidelines and overall strategy for interaction with potential buyers and stakeholders; Oversee hatchery personnel and daily interaction with administrative section of PMAR; Interact with resource agencies in terms of relevant permitting rules and regulations; Familiarity with federal and state aquaculture regulations and permitting requirements for aquaculture hatchery; Develop a standard operational protocol for operation of the hatchery, including but not limited to algae production, broodstock maintenance, larval rearing, spat-on-shell, and production of seed oysters; Attend and participate in various federal, state, and/or local coastal resource management meetings; Report directly to facility director; This position will be required to work a flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.   Qualifications: Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience in biology, marine science, or related field; At least 5 years of experience in oyster hatchery management; Must be a self-starter, with strong time management and multi-tasking skills, able to work independently without much oversight; Prior supervisory and budgetary experience. Preferred Qualifications:  Additional demonstrable experience in commercial oyster aquaculture grow-out; Experience in commercial production management; Liaison skills with stakeholders, regulatory and extension agencies.The applicant if chosen will be hired by the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization (PMAR).  To apply, submit letter of interest and any other supporting documentation to the following email:  [email protected] (posted 6/17/2020)

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Algae Production (Texas, USA): Looking for a candidate with experience in algae biomass culture with an emphasis on aquaculture applications. The position would involve conducting research for the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization (PMAR) located in Palacios, Texas and managed by the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The finalist for this position will work closely with PMAR management as well as other research staff to develop a broad-based research program to improve algae biomass productivity within the scope of PMAR objectives.  Responsibilities: Identification and development of algae culture strains suitable for use in aquaculture applications; Improve biomass productivity of algae culture systems for aquaculture hatchery use; Develop a vigorous research program to investigate innovative uses of algae biomass for non-traditional uses; Remain current with the body of science related to general aquaculture, present and publish research findings; Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Report to the Project Leader. Qualifications: Doctoral Degree in biological sciences, genetics, microbiology, or closely related field; Background in one or more fields of aquaculture and/or algae biomass production; Practical experience in algae biomass culture; Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Preferred Qualifications: Strong experience (at least 4 years) in culture of microalgae for oyster hatchery applications; Experience with algal strain selection and nutritional manipulation of algae cultures; Familiarity with current technology regarding algae biomass harvesting; Track record of high-impact publications and collaboration with notable research programs.  Harte Research Institute is partnering with the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization (PMAR). The applicant if chosen will be hired by the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization (PMAR).  To apply, submit letter of interest and any other supporting documentation to the following email:  [email protected] (posted 6/17/2020)

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Oyster Aquaculture (Texas, USA): The position would involve conducting research for the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization (PMAR) located in Palacios, Texas and managed by the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The finalist for this position will work closely with PMAR management as well as other research staff to develop a broad-based research program to improve oyster aquaculture and conservation efforts within the scope of PMAR objectives.  Responsibilities: Oversees all research associated with oyster culture at PMAR facilities, including hatchery, nursery, grow-out, and restoration; Assist oyster hatchery manager in decision making regarding oyster-related production effort; Follow and enforce all state and federal health and safety guidelines; Remain current with the body of science related to general aquaculture, present and publish research findings; Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Report to the Project Leader.  Qualifications: Doctoral Degree in marine biology, fisheries, or closely related field; Background in field of shellfish aquaculture; Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Preferred Qualifications: Strong experience (at least 4 years) in shellfish culture; Experience in oyster reef restoration and/or construction of living shorelines; Familiarity with aquaculture genetics and disease diagnosis/management;Track record of high-impact publications and collaboration with notable research programs. Harte Research Institute is partnering with the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization (PMAR). The applicant if chosen will be hired by the Palacios Marine Agriculture Research Organization (PMAR).  To apply: Submit letter of interest and any other supporting documentation to the following email:  [email protected] (posted 6/17/2020).