Postdoctoral Research Associate

TITLE: Post-Doctoral Research Associate DEPARTMENT: School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will remain open until filled EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The Post-doctoral Research Associate will serve as a lead support person to assist the PI, staff, and students to perform research in the Aquaculture Production Sciences group at the College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences (CACS). SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The successful candidate will be a key member of the Center for Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture Production, and will be involved in aquaculture production research including such topics as marine shrimp husbandry, fish husbandry, filtration technologies, water quality dynamics, stable isotope dynamics, nutritional efficiencies, aquaponics, microbial ecology, and systems management. 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. The incumbent will help manage laboratory and field spaces in a professional manner. Other duties include care and feeding of fish and shrimp, monitoring animal health and routine monitoring of water quality parameters, building systems, plumbing, carpentry, and general labor. Maintains the inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory according to established methods. Record and maintain experimental data in a proper spreadsheet layout. Submit peer-reviewed manuscripts, give professional presentations, interact with farmers and potential farmers as well as students at cooperating schools. Help develop proposals for external funding of research Track applications and correspondence of potential graduate students and student progress. Review manuscripts and theses for proper format To assist CACS faculty and staff in using research equipment. Other related duties as required. OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of a Ph.D. in Aquaculture or a closely related field and a Master's Degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture, or a closely related field. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Practical experience in research methodology in the area of aquaculture. Experience measuring water quality dynamics and training students on the topic. Applicant should have the ability to work independently and as part of a team with excellent written and oral communication skills. Analytical ability to include computer skills, statistics, and analysis of databases. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with problem-solving expertise Ability to maintain concise and accurate records Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, but cooperatively with others Must be able to manage multiple projects/priorities Good organizational skills Exhibit a professional and personable demeanor Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals Experience serving as Co-PI on funded research projects Ability to perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: May assist in the supervision of students and staff as requested PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Research involves the daily care and maintenance of multiple saltwater and freshwater recirculation systems. Handling and care of fish and shellfish. Occasionally requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds. The work environment involves some exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold conditions, hazards, or physical risks, which require some basic safety precautions. Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply 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