Shellfish Positions Available

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PhD and Post-doc Oyster Hatchery positions (Hong Kong):  The Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery and Innovation Research Unit (HKO_HIRU) of HKU (www.hkuoyster.com) is seeking to fill PhD and Post positions to work on SNP discovery and genomics selection in Hong Kong oysters. Specifically, in the following opportunities: PhD position - work on SNP discovery and genomic selection for high-salinity and disease resilient Hong Kong oysters based at The University of Hong Kong (HKU; www.hku.hk): General Qualifications:  undergraduate or master’s degree students with any science related subjects with relevant experience and interest with honors degree or degree with outstanding academic records (e.g. GPA >3.6/4 in UG degree even if apply with master degree).  Scholarship is HK$19,000per month. For further details about scholarships and PhD study details of HKU’s, please visit the web page. Research Direction: SNP-driven genomic selection with digital breeding approach using variety of digital phenotypic data (images) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers to correlate with commercial traits to evaluate breeding values of wild and hatchery populations using big data and machine learning tools. There are established collaborations with relevant experts to provide the student adequate training to kick start this impactful and innovative project.  Post doc for genomic breeding project: This position is available immediately. The primary goal of this position is to develop tools and resources for genome-based breeding of the Hong Kong oyster, a major aquaculture species in China – which is accounting almost ¼ of global production. There is low-density SNP array for genotyping. The next phase of research will focus on the application of SNP genotyping platform in genomic selection for high salinity tolerance and disease resilient. The position is expected to participate in developing, testing and implementing genomic selection for improving high salt tolerance of Hong Kong oyster. This post doc, in close collaboration with PhD student and various collaborators may include hatchery production and maintenance of experimental oysters, conducting challenge experiments, sampling and SNP array genotyping, analysis of genotype and phenotype data, development of prediction models for genomic selection, communication with growers and the oyster community around the world, and writing manuscripts for publication. Qualifications: talented, enthusiastic, and hardworking PhD degree holder in Aquaculture or Marine Biology or Molecular Ecology or related field with a relevant research experience with a proven track record.  Experience in shellfish SNP and genomic selection is highly preferrable.  Salary ranges from HK$ 28,000 to 30,000 per month (1 US$ = 7.8 HK$). For this salary range, the income tax is negligible in Hong Kong. Exact salary and period are negotiable.  How to apply to either position: Please send your query or CV to Rajan via Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: 852-95757923 or WeChat: wxid_s610q4iljvdu22. If interested and eligible, apply as soon as possible. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified (posted 11/11/2024).

Hatchery Technician (Virginia, USA):  Oyster Seed Holdings (OSH) is seeking applicants for a full-time hatchery team
member.  The hatchery tech will support all operations in the hatchery assisting staff with day to day husbandry. This includes cleaning oysters at all stages of life, cleaning the systems those oysters are grown in, and supporting algae production by assisting algae staff and cleaning algae production systems. The hatchery tech will report directly to the hatchery manager and will be tasked with various jobs as needed to complete the day’s work. Largely, these rolls will be assistive in helping to carry out day to day operation of various systems in the hatchery. Applicants must be available to work some weekends (typically 1, occasionally 2 weekends per month) during the production season (Nov-August).  Shellfish hatchery experience is preferred but not necessary: Team player; Ability to perform repetitive tasks with precision; Ability to work independently; Ability to work well with others; Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds; Ability to work in hot and wet conditions.  To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] (posted 10/17/2024).

Crustacean Biologist (Wildlife Biologist II) (South Carolina, USA): The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is seeking candidates for invertebrate ecologist positions.  The successful applicant will implement and report on a suite of federal grant projects and long-term fisheries independent monitoring programs focused on recreationally important, commercially valuable, and ecologically significant invertebrates such as blue crabs, shrimp, crayfish, and non-native crustaceans.  The successful applicant will be involved in sample processing and data collection for multiple concurrent field-based projects assessing the status of aquatic invertebrate populations in South Carolina.  The successful applicant will be expected to have an existing familiarity with approaches used in the Crustacean Research and Monitoring Section and have a thorough understanding of the biology and ecology of invertebrates, including blue crabs, horseshoe crabs, native shrimp, crayfish, and non-native species.  The successful applicant will also be expected to conduct fieldwork, sometimes under challenging conditions, and have experience implementing, analyzing, and disseminating results from quantitatively rigorous scientific research projects. Minimum and Additional Requirements:  A master's degree in biology, chemistry or related technical area field; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and two (2) years of experience relevant to the job. Preferred Qualifications:  Familiarity with techniques used to assess the status of invertebrate species (including blue crab, horseshoe crab, shrimp, and crayfish) to include sampling of wadeable aquatic systems as well as pot-based and trawl-based sampling approaches.  Ability to function effectively, efficiently, and collaboratively as a project leader.  Strong communication and organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple, concurrent, field-based project schedules.  Demonstrated effectiveness in the supervision of junior staff in a positive, productive, and effective manner.  Experience with computers, including a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and statistical analyses (e.g., R), as well as familiarity working with large datasets and managing databases (e.g., Microsoft Access).  Experience disseminating the results of scientific research projects through a variety of media.  Ability to initiate a dialogue, lead a meeting to discuss new project ideas or to resolve challenges, and to report the outcomes of discussions effectively to senior staff in the section.  Ability to operate and trailer a small vessel (<20 ft.).  Questions:  [email protected].  For full job description and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/jobs/4678257/wildlife-biologist-ii-multiple-positions-available (posted 10/4/2024)

Environmental Biologist (Wildlife Biologist II) (South Carolina, USA):  The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is seeking a candidate to complete taxonomic identifications on benthic invertebrate macrofauna collected for Environmental Research Section projects.  The successful candidate will lead and participate in various field sampling efforts in estuarine and coastal ocean environments; participate in overall project management of smaller projects including the analysis of data and report/manuscript development using a variety of statistical and mathematical software to assess the effects of change in habitat quality and habitat characteristics in biota in salt marsh, estuarine, beach, and offshore habitats; and participate in laboratory management including overseeing benthic sorting and field sampling preparations. Minimum and Additional Requirements:  A master's degree in biology, chemistry or related technical area field; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and two (2) years of experience relevant to the job.  Preferred Qualifications:  Demonstrated experience in the use of microscopes, both dissecting and compound.  Experience in invertebrate taxonomy, and use of dichotomous keys.  Ability to be trained and learn taxonomy of estuarine and offshore benthic invertebrates.  Experience managing, summarizing, analyzing and reporting on complex data sets.  Ability to manage time and work efficiently.  Demonstrated writing ability and good communication skills.  Skills in data management and data analysis using a variety of software packages including GIS. Ability to lead field crews and participate in field efforts.  Experience working as a team member.  Curiosity, critical and analytical thinking, a positive can-do attitude, demonstrated problem-solving skills, and mechanical aptitude are important traits for this position.  Applicants should exhibit creativity, knowledge of diverse disciplines, and a willingness to expand research dimensions in new directions.  Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, putting in time outside of normal work hours when necessary to complete project objectives.  Ability to work in marine systems under adverse weather conditions, to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), swim short distances, work out of boats, respond to audible alarms, and make precise visual observations.  Questions, contact: [email protected].  For full job description and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/jobs/4658235/wildlife-biologist-ii (posted 10/4/24)

Hatchery Manager (Florida, USA): The Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory (FSUCML) is seeking a manager for our shellfish research and restoration hatchery. The facility is located on the FSUCML campus located on the coast in St Teresa, approximately one hour south of the main FSU campus in Tallahassee; the Florida State Capitol.  The successful candidate for this position will be involved in the management of a research hatchery, which supports research and restoration objectives of the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative (ABSI). The hatchery is primarily focused on producing larvae and juveniles of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), but additional shellfish species are sometimes cultured for other research projects.  Qualifications: Bachelor's degree; or a high school diploma/equivalent and experience equal to four years; valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.  Preferred Qualifications: Fundamental understanding of recirculating and flow-through systems, algal culture, and shellfish husbandry and production; Experience working with students and interns; Bachelor’s degree in a biological science and two years of experience working in a shellfish hatchery or more than four years working in a shellfish hatchery/production facility; Ability to write and understand technical documents (including detailed protocols); maintain accurate records of production, equipment; maintenance, and hatchery consumables in paper and electronic format; Familiarity with online record keeping and Microsoft Office software. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.  For full job description and how to apply: https://marinelab.fsu.edu/people/job-openings/hatchery-manager/ (posted 8/24/24)

Operations Specialist (Florida, USA):  The Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) is a non-profit, scientific research organization based in Palmetto, Florida dedicated to advancing shellfish aquaculture and restoration. GSI aims to facilitate, support and encourage increased production of shellfish in the Gulf region for both economic and environmental benefit. GSI believes that high quality seafood produced in an environmentally sustainable fashion can boost coastal economies, preserve and strengthen working waterfronts, improve coastal water quality, and support adjacent marine habitats. We seek a dynamic Operations Specialist to assist GSI staff with the day-to-day functioning of a growing non-profit organization. The successful applicant will be able to fulfill a dual-purpose role, with most of their time spent on administrative tasks (~80%) and the remainder spent directly supporting scientific research staff (~20%). This position will report to the Executive Director, or other GSI Staff as determined by the Executive Director. Both part-time and full-time applicants will be considered. Essential duties for this position include: procurement of supplies and equipment; planning of group travel and preparation of travel authorization; management of receipts using established workflows; compilation of quarterly invoices for multiple state and federal grants; management of budget spreadsheets; monthly reconciliation of bank accounts with internal records, project budgets, and payment requests; and assisting with progress report preparation.  Additional duties (as assigned by the Executive Director) may include: routine husbandry of live organisms and maintenance of aquaculture systems; laboratory sample processing; field data collection aboard vessels and in-water work using snorkel (and if applicable, SCUBA); and social media and website management.  Minimum requirements: B.S. or B.A. in related field; proficiency with spreadsheet software; independent, flexible, and highly detail-oriented work style; a desire to continuously improve processes and efficiencies; time management and organizational skills; and ability to work in-person and remotely. Preference will be given to applicants with: experience with grant management; relevant scientific skills (field data collection, sample processing); excellent interpersonal skills; and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.  Salary Range: $45,000-55,000. Pay for this position depends upon qualifications and is available for one year, with the possibility of extension depending upon grant funding. Compensation for part-time applicants will be cost-adjusted to reflect the negotiated workload. There are no fringe benefits at this time.  Please submit a cover letter, listing two professional references, and a resume to Dr. Stephen Hesterberg (Executive Director) at [email protected] (posted 8/15/24)

Outreach Specialist, Aquaculture (Maryland, USA): The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Horn Point Laboratory is seeking applications to fill the position of Shellfish Aquaculture Outreach Specialist. This position will be either a Faculty Research Assistant or Assistant Research Scientist dependent upon education and experience. This position will be located in Cambridge, Maryland. The Outreach Specialist position will be a Full time hybrid position reporting directly to Horn Point Lab director, Mike Sieracki. The Shellfish Aquaculture Outreach Specialist will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific research and industry application in the areas of shellfish aquaculture, fisheries, and restoration. Collaborating closely with Horn Point Laboratory scientists, and home to the largest the oyster hatchery on the East Coast, the person in this position will focus on translating solution-driven research into actionable strategies to enhance the diversity, productivity, growth, and resiliency of the Chesapeake Bay shellfish aquaculture and wild harvest industries. This position is partially supported by Maryland Sea Grant and the Outreach Specialist will be part of the Sea Grant network and work with the Maryland Sea Grant program. Advancing sustainable aquaculture and wild fisheries are core missions of Sea Grant. The person in this position will have access to Sea Grant resources and be expected to work with Maryland industry, state government and non-governmental organizations important to fisheries issues in the state.  Minimum qualifications: Master’s degree in marine science, aquaculture, fisheries, environmental science, or related field; Willingness to travel in the mid-Atlantic region and work occasional weekend or evening events as needed; Physical ability to handle aquaculture and harvesting gear is required; Must be eligible for a Maryland driver’s license; Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences; Understanding of shellfish biology, and aquaculture and fishing techniques; Ability to use word, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.  Preferred qualifications: Experience in science communication, outreach, and stakeholder engagement; Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, work effectively in a team environment, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion; Experience in crafting, obtaining, and/or executing grant proposals; Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and work both independently and as a part of a team. Physical ability to handle aquaculture and harvesting gear is required. Travel across the Mid-Atlantic region is also required, with travel and mileage reimbursement.  Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume or CV, and List of References. For full job description and to apply: https://umces.peopleadmin.com/postings/1902/print_preview (posted 8/12/24).