Shellfish Positions Available

Coastal Operations Specialist (Maryland, USA): Morgan State University’s Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL) is hiring a full-time Coastal Operations Specialist. Responsibilities include field work, vessel operation, gear deployment/retrieval, and laboratory support for four essential PEARL research programs: Blue Crab Survey, Shellfish Aquaculture, Carbon Monitoring, and Microplastics. This position requires excellent time and resource allocation; exceptional judgment in challenging and uncertain coastal conditions to ensure safe operation of vessels (20’-25’ in length); regular communication with supervisor and project leads; and guidance of PEARL undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty engaged in research and environmental monitoring.  This is a one-year term position that has the potential for continuation for an additional two years (three years total) contingent upon satisfactory performance. The annual salary rate for the position will range between $43,000-$52,000, commensurate with experience. For the complete job description, qualifications, and to apply please visit: https://morgan.peopleadmin.com/postings/6312 . Applications must be received through this Morgan employment website.  The application will require a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. For best consideration, applications should be submitted
by December 11th, 2023. Questions may be addressed to Scott Knoche ([email protected]). (posted 11/21/23)

Oyster Hatchery Manager (Indonesia): Atlas Pearls is seeking a dynamic person to join its successful pearl oyster breeding program as a Hatchery Manager at one of the 2 hatchery sites. The successful candidate will have a strong management background within bivalve hatchery and grow-out operations. This role entails managing and maintaining the current protocols for spat production as well as constantly striving for improvements to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality oysters to meet our production goals.  The position is based in Indonesia with accommodation and food supplied while on site as well as travel allowance and medical insurance. Responsibilities include: Ensuring daily duties including feeding, larval/spat husbandry and water quality monitoring are maintained to a high level; Ensuring consistent supply of high-quality algae cultures; Ensuring the hatcheries infrastructure and equipment are serviced and maintained with all risks minimized that may affect hatchery production; Ensuring sufficient levels of spares and consumables are maintained; Hands on involvement in nursery husbandry; Ensuring the hatchery and nursery achieves production goals; Identify opportunities for production improvements and successfully implement; Manage and develop staff; and Assist with general site management as required.  Skills and Experience - Essential criteria: Minimum graduate diploma/tertiary training specialising in aquaculture or previous experience within similar role; Demonstrated supervisor/manager experience in commercial bivalve hatchery operations; Excellent data management, analysis and reporting skills; Excellent communication skills; Ability to relocate to Indonesia; Ability to learn a second language. Please submit resume and cover letter to: Vaughan Hastie: [email protected] (posted 11/7/23).

Research Laboratory Associate – Oyster Husbandry (Louisiana, USA): The University of Louisiana at Lafayette invites applications for the position of Research Laboratory Associate with expertise in oyster or shellfish husbandry. The Research Laboratory Associate will work as part of the collaborative LO-SPAT project which seeks to gain a better understanding of how stressors in the estuarine environment (e.g., low salinity) impact the ecology and physiology of oysters with the goal of producing more stress tolerant oysters for coastal restoration.  Essential Functions:  Maintain the oyster broodstock and associate lab facility located at the UL Lafayette Ecology Center; Lead oyster husbandry (animal care, handling, and water quality) at the facility; Supervise student workers; and Assist in management of data and preparation of data for reports, presentations, and publications.  Required Qualifications:  B.Sc. in Marine Biology, Zoology, Biology, or other relevant discipline; One year of experience in oyster or shellfish husbandry or aquaculture; One year of experience in oyster, shellfish, or finfish husbandry or aquaculture, including handling and sampling live animals.  Preferred Qualifications:  M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Zoology, Biology, or other relevant discipline; Familiarity with aquatic husbandry equipment such as pumps, filters, and physical and chemical water quality monitoring equipment; Experience with handling and sampling live animals, including shellfish; Understanding of aquarium water chemistry and balancing; Familiarity with working lab practices, including sterilization and proper PPE; Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. of supplies, climb ladders, and clean tanks, filters and equipment; Excellent record-keeping skills (i.e., spreadsheets) and attention to detail; High degree of organization, strong communication skills, and ability to manage student workers in a laboratory environment.  Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to Dr. Schalk de Waal ([email protected]) and Emma Weiser ([email protected]). Formal application must be submitted via the online system (https://louisiana.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/2585?c=louisiana). The application should include: 1) a cover letter describing interest, relevant background and qualifications, 2) full curriculum vitae or resume, and 3) contact information for two professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Successful applicants would be able to start in January 2024 (posted 11/3/23).

Research Assistant/Staff Scientist (Florida, USA): The Gulf Shellfish Institute, Inc., is seeking a highly motivated research assistant or staff scientist to assist in our shellfish aquaculture and restoration research efforts. The position will support a variety of ongoing projects in both laboratory and field settings. Applications are encouraged from candidates with a M.S. in marine science (or related discipline) and a background in scientific research, experimental design, field work, and scientific writing. Preference will be given to applicants with experience working with bivalves and seagrass. This position is available for one year, but could be extended depending upon funding. For a full job description and to apply please visit: https://www.gulfshellfish.org/join-our-team. Position open until filled.  Additional inquiries can be directed to Dr. Mallory Sea ([email protected]). (posted 10/31/23)

North Shore Shellfish Program Supervisor (Massachusetts, USA): The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries seeks qualified applicants to serve as a regional north shore shellfish program supervisor. The individual in this position reports directly to the head of the shellfish program and plans, directs, and supervises a marine shellfish sanitation and management section that covers a geographic area that includes Boston Harbor and the North Shore region of Massachusetts from Hull to the New Hampshire border. This encompasses managing the Division’s Shellfish Depuration Plant and Shellfish Classification Program in the Gloucester office. For full job description, qualifications, or to apply: North Shore Shellfish Program Supervisor (EA IV) - (23000B2V) (posted 10/24/2023).

Faculty Research Assistant – Shellfish Genomics (Oregon, USA): Oregon State University/USDA-ARS Pacific Shellfish Research Unit is seeking a motivated individual to assist in Pacific oyster genomic research.  The incumbent will contribute to the objectives of the newly formed USDA-ARS Pacific Shellfish Research Unit and the project “Improving the Sustainability and Productivity of Shellfish Culture in Pacific Estuaries,” with a focus on molecular and genetic characterization of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. The incumbent will work on research duties involving implementation, evaluation, data analysis, and laboratory and field trials.  DUTIES: (85% Research) Assist and carryout laboratory experiments focused on molecular biology and genetics;  Monitor live animal experiments and collect data; Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw conclusions based on those analyses and interpretations;  Update lab protocols, create new lab protocols (10% Supervision and Lab Management) Plan and assign work for hourly undergraduate students;  Maintain, enforce and manage safety protocols and guidelines;  Prepare and keep stocks of buffers and other lab supplies and consumables;  Keep inventories of chemicals and supplies and advise on purchasing; (5% Publications and Presentations) Contribute to/co-author research publications in collaboration with USDA and OSU scientists;  Present research at conferences, meetings and public forums.  MINIMUM Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in molecular and cell biology, microbiology, fisheries, or marine sciences. 2-years’ experience with molecular biology methods including nucleic acid extractions, PCR and electrophoresis.  Familiarity with the collection, organization, and statistical analysis of data.  Good communication and collaboration skills.  A commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.  PREFERRED:  MSc. degree in Marine or Freshwater Aquatic Sciences.   Experience culturing marine invertebrates, especially bivalve larvae and adults.  Experience with cloning and microinjection.  Experience with R, Bioconductor and other bioinformatic software and methods.  Experience writing scientific documents, such as research reports and papers.  Ability and experience to work in the field.  *Work may require field sampling outdoors in muddy areas with adverse weather.   *Work may require traveling/driving to oyster farms for planting or sampling.  SALARY RANGE : 45-58K / year depending on qualifications.  For more information and to apply: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/143519 (posted 9/26/23)

Aquaculture Specialist (Massachusetts, USA): The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries seeks qualified applicants to serve as an aquaculture and Vibrio specialist in the shellfish program. The individual in this position will oversee all activities involved in aquaculture, shellfish propagation, and Vibrio related activities. This encompasses managing the Division’s Shellfish Aquaculture and Propagation Project, involving permitting of aquaculture operations with permit specific conditions. The individual will also oversee and conduct site licensing surveys; monitor landings; review pathology and health reports and approve the introduction of organisms into Massachusetts coastal waters for the purposes of commercial aquaculture or shellfish propagation; conduct outreach activities with aquaculture industry members, town officials and the general public; provide technical assistance to coastal town shellfish department;, and other duties as required. In addition, the incumbent functions as the DMF Vibrio Coordinator which includes overseeing DMF activities related to the State’s Vibrio Control Plan in cooperation with the Department of Public Health. The incumbent works closely with the Program Manager and other senior program biologists in the development of aquaculture, shellfish propagation and vibrio policy and regulations. For full job description, qualifications, or to apply: Aquaculture Specialist (230008Q8) (taleo.net) (posted 8/31/2023).

Shellfish Classification Biologist - Aquatic Biologist II (Massachusetts, USA): The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) seeks applicants for the position of Aquatic Biologist II. The individual in this position will assist in the operation of the Division of Marine Fisheries Shellfish Sanitation and Management Program out of the SouthCoast New Bedford Office, involving bacteriological water sampling, sanitary classification and monitoring of shellfish growing areas in addition to technical assistance, biological monitoring, shellfish mitigation project support and habitat protection to support the DMF in all activities related to shellfish growing area classification and compliance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). For full job description, qualifications, or to apply: Shellfish Classification Biologist - Aquatic Biologist II (230008XJ) (taleo.net) (posted 8/31/2023).

Post doc position Molecular Breeding (Hong Kong):  The University of Hong Kong is seeking a talented, enthusiastic, and hardworking PhD degree holder in Aquaculture or Marine Biology or Molecular Ecology or related field with a relevant research experience in one of the following two positions and a proven track record.  You will be using variety of digital phenotypic data (images) and SNP markers to correlate with commercial traits to evaluate breeding values of wild and hatchery populations using integrated analyses of genomic data and machine learning tools. We have established collaborations with relevant experts to provide the post doc adequate training to kick start this innovative project. Experience in SNP analyses and selective breeding in any organisms (including plants) is an added advantage. As the work may need to collect data and samples from mainland China, Chinese language may be preferred though not necessary. Salary range from HK$ 28,000 to 35,000 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: 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. We continue search until a suitable candidate is identified. For more information: https://www.hkuoyster.com (posted 8/24/2023)

Post doc position Environmental Proteomics (Hong Kong):   The University of Hong Kong is seeking a candidate to study how multiple-stressors, especially carbonate system dynamics, temperature and salinity are affecting production of stress response bioactive peptides using variety of proteomics tools. Identification of small bioactive peptides such as antioxidants and antimicrobial peptides from oyster blood may have both aquaculture and commercial values as nutrient supplement. The post-doc may work around the topic “Health of a carbon-neutral delicacy, the oyster, and the Environment”. Experience in environmental chemistry is an added advantage.  Salary range from HK$ 28,000 to 35,000 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: 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. We continue search until a suitable candidate is identified. For more information: https://www.hkuoyster.com (posted 8/24/2023)

PhD position Oyster Hatchery (Hong Kong): The University of Hong Kong is seeking undergraduate or Master 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 or 4.5/5 if only UG degree or GPA >3/4 or 3.8/5 in UG if apply with master degree).  Scholarship is HK$18,390 per month. For further details about scholarships and PhD study details of HKU’s, please visit the web page. Applicants from the world’s top 100 universities with high GPA – could try HKPF or HKU’s presidential scholarships – these awardees will receive a $27,600 per month as scholarship.  Research Direction: Digital Breeding: You will be 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. We have established collaborations with relevant experts to provide the student adequate training to kick start this impactful and innovative project - OR - Environmental Proteomics: You will study how climate change induced carbonate system variability and salinity are interactively affecting production of stress response bioactive peptides in oyster blood such as antioxidants and antimicrobial peptides (specifically “Peptidomics”) using the power of multi-dimensional mass spectrophotometry analyses. These peptides are expected to have commercial value as natural health supplements. Interest and study experience in biochemistry is important. The student or Post docs will be co-supervised by HKU’s proteomics expert, Prof Ivan Chu.  The successful applicants are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment as a team with academics, government, oyster growers and aquaculture industry.   How to apply: 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. We continue search until a suitable candidate is identified. For more information: https://www.hkuoyster.com (posted 8/24/2023)