Shellfish Positions Available

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MSc Student Position, Oyster Reproductive Physiology (Alabama, USA):  Master of Science (MSc) position is available at Auburn University (start date: Aug 2021 or Jan 2022). The student will be hosted by the Aquatic Reproductive Physiology lab (P.I. Dr. Ian A.E. Butts; https://ianaebutts.wixsite.com/labsite) in the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SFAAS). In terms of research, our labs long-term objectives are to support the development of sustainable aquaculture, fisheries management, and conservation biology for fishes and bivalves. To accomplish this, we take an interdisciplinary approach to test hypotheses in reproductive biology and reproductive physiology of aquatic organisms, with the ultimate goal of understanding and controlling processes that impact gamete quality and early offspring performance. Responsibilities and tasks:Oyster aquaculture is expanding worldwide, where many farms rely on seed produced by artificial spawning. As sperm motility and velocity are key determinants for fertilization success, understanding the regulation of sperm motility and identifying optimal environmental conditions can increase fertility and seed production. Thus, the current project will unravel physiological mechanisms of sperm function for optimizing in vitro fertilization and early offspring production in Eastern oyster. These projects will involve experimental laboratory studies (~80%) and field work (~20%) in collaboration with Dr. Jim Stoeckel and Scott Rikard. The student will be stationed at the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory at Dauphin Island, Alabama. Here, the student will be expected to conduct broad research followed by the writing of a detailed thesis. The student will also take classes for 1 semester (Jan-May 2022) at Auburn University (main campus).  Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in biology or a similar degree; Knowledge of aquaculture and shellfish physiology; Proven ability to carry out goal-oriented work and fluent with data management systems (i.e. Excel, Word, statistical analysis); Lab competences in molecular biology and/or physiology would be considered an asset - please clarify your experiences in the “motivating letter”; Practical husbandry experiences with aquatic organisms will be an asset; Good co-operation ability; Ability to obtain US driver’s license and vehicle (as the student will need to frequently drive from Auburn to Dauphin Island).   This graduate appointment is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the MSc program within the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SFAAS). For information about our program please see:  http://sfaas.auburn.edu/programs-of-study/graduate-studies/. This project will be carried out at the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory at Dauphin Island, Alabama. The MSc ($17,000 + fringe benefits for 2 years) salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for graduate students. Typically, a tuition waiver is provided.   Please submit your application no later than 15 August 2021 at 11:59 PM CDT. Applications must be e-mailed to [email protected] as “one” pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. The file must include: Cover letter motivating the application (please include your background, interests, goals - 1 to 2 pages); Curriculum vitae with contact information (e-mail and phone numbers) for three referees; Unofficial transcripts and GRE scores (refer to: https://www.ets.org/gre).  For further information about the project, please contact Dr. Ian A.E. Butts at [email protected]. (posted 6/10/21)

General Manager, Texas Sustainable Oysters (Texas, USA): Texas Sustainable Oysters is a new off-bottom oyster farm in Bolivar Texas. We are one of the first oyster farms in Texas as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife new Cultivated Oyster Mariculture program. The farm is 9.74 acres and will be built out in stages starting in August 2021. The position is located in Bolivar Texas near Galveston. The General Manager will oversee day to day operations on the farm, such as monitoring the grow out system, keeping farm gear clean and maintained, and managing/training employees. The General Manager must have experience working on an off-bottom oyster farm and will report directly to the owner. To apply, please email [email protected] (posted 5/20/21)

Laboratory Technician, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory (New Jersey, USA): Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Laboratory Technician for the Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, Cape Shore Hatchery located in Green Creek, NJ.  Among the key duties of this position are the following:  Responsible for the professional level care and maintenance of all shellfish lines generated by the shellfish genetics and breeding program including all nursery, quarantine and field grow out systems; The position is also responsible for the installation, care, and maintenance of all laboratory support systems and equipment. • Assists in the training and supervision of seasonal field technicians and interns, will support the needs of visiting researchers and students and may assist with larval and algal culture. For full description of job posting and how to apply: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/132513. Posting number: 21ST1250.  Closing date 6/12/2021.  (posted 5/17/2021)

Research Geneticist, Aquaculture (Oregon, USA):  The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit seeks a Research Geneticist, GS-0440-12/13 ($77,488 to $119,787per annum, plus benefits). Aquaculture is the fastest growing segment of food production in the world and will soon surpass wild fisheries. Bivalve aquaculture is a sustainable form of animal protein production and there is vast potential for domestic industry expansion. Domestication and genetic improvement will play a major role in the ability of this industry to thrive and respond to environmental stressors and change. Compared to other crops, genetics and breeding of shellfish is still in its infancy and is prime for the application of contemporary genetic and breeding methods that can improve health, well-being, and production efficiency.  The position is located at the Pacific Shellfish Breeding Center at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon and will primarily focus on the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). The scientist hired into the position will conduct genetics/genomics studies that are expected to 1) identify associations between genotypes and economically valuable phenotypes to apply within breeding programs, ii) quantify genetic variation in commercially relevant oyster populations and iii) work collaboratively with ARS, Oregon State University, private industry partners and others to advance knowledge of Pacific oyster genetics and of shellfish genetic improvement programs.   The ARS Research Geneticist position presents an outstanding range of research and breeding opportunities that will lead to broad impact for the producers of bivalve species along the west coast of North America. Refer to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/597365800 for further information for complete application instructions, and the full text announcement. (posted 4/6/2021)