Research Assistant Aquaculture Production

TITLE: Research and Extension Associate - Aquaculture Production

DEPARTMENT: School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Research and Extension Associate in Aquaculture Production will serve as a support person for the Principal Investigator (PI) of Aquaculture Production in the School of Aquaculture at Kentucky State University. This position will conduct research in aquaculture production (70%) and support and participate in extension activities (30%) related to recirculating aquaculture technologies and advanced production techniques.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist the PI and other supporting staff in designing experiments; mentor, supervise and lead high school, undergraduate and graduate students

• Assist the PI and implement Evans Allen research projects, and externally-funded projects

• The incumbent will conduct collaborative and independent research to help optimize production dynamics and profitability of sustainable aquaculture systems

• Care and feeding of fish and shrimp, monitoring animal health and routine monitoring of water quality parameters, building systems, plumbing, carpentry, and general labor

• Maintain inventory of chemicals, prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory

• Assist in ordering and acquiring animals for experiments, laboratory and husbandry supplies

• Collect and maintain data in proper spreadsheet layout and to perform statistical analysis of data

• Submit peer reviewed manuscripts, give professional presentations, interact with farmers and potential farmers as well as students at cooperating schools

• Assist College of Agriculture faculty and staff in using lab equipment

• Assist the PI and in writing scientific papers and proposals

• Track applications and correspondence of potential graduate students and student progress

• Support and participate in extension/outreach activities related to aquaculture production

• Make farm visits, set up and conduct on-farm demonstrations

• Provide research-based advice and recommendations to aquaculture farmers and producers

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic science

• Practical experience in research

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with excellent communication skills

• Knowledge of experimental design

• Initiative, resourcefulness and punctuality

• Ability to organize a diverse work load

• Analytical ability to include computer skills such as Word, Excel, and similar programs

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with problem-solving expertise are essential.

• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records.

• Must be able to manage multiple projects/priorities.

• Experience in data analysis and scientific writing

• Exhibit professional and personable demeanor.

• Ability to perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a M.S. in in Aquaculture, Biology, Aquatic Science, Environmental Studies or a similar discipline..

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Research involves daily care and maintenance of multiple saltwater and freshwater recirculation systems. Handling and care of fish and shellfish

• May work in adverse weather conditions or indoors in uncomfortable temperature and water

• Requires strenuous physical work at times; lifting, pushing, and/or pulling required of objects weighing 50 lbs or more.

• Laboratory work environment which requires basic safety precautions

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require basic safety precautions

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.