Assistant Research Professor

Florida Atlantic University

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) invites applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Research Professor position focusing on Aquaculture Genetics and Bioinformatics. This position is located in Ft. Pierce, Fl. Research Summary Research includes independent and collaborative studies aimed at developing broodstocks for aquaculture species by determining the genetic and phenotypic parameters that define complex traits such as growth, disease resistance, and meat yield and quality using quantitative genetic, genome-enabled analyses, and genomic selection. Breeding programs are an essential resource for broad and complex studies aimed at understanding basic biological mechanisms affecting economically important traits. The research contributes information used in commercial and in-house selection programs and requires interaction with industry stakeholders to facilitate the development of genetically superior lines of aquaculture species.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Genetics for animal breeding, Aquaculture genetics, bioinformatics, or closely related relevant field at time of application.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to define research problems, perform required background investigations, develop appropriate experimental and statistical designs, execute research plans, organize and evaluate results, and report findings.
• Must be able to identify research needs and display ingenuity and originality in the application of concepts and techniques from the major areas of emphasis to research studies.
• Ability to work cooperatively with University and extramural partners on research that addresses contemporary and emerging issues in ocean science.

Responsibilities

• Lead the broodstock development programs to characterize novel traits, select elite germplasm, and make germplasm available for scientific research, to private aquatic animal producers of food fish, and to state governmental workers involved in fish and wildlife enhancement.
• Specific research objectives include: (1) identify, characterize, and quantify genetic and phenotypic variation in complex, economically-important traits such as growth, disease resistance, meat yield and quality, and reproductive output; (2) evaluate genetic and environmental determinants for correlated variables and related traits; (3) develop and test innovative approaches for incorporating molecular-based information into breeding and selection schemes; and (4) enhancement of techniques for storage, retention, and distribution of genetically improved germplasm.
• Research methodology includes quantitative genetic analyses, bioinformatic analyses and transcriptome data. Research also involves basic physiology and biochemical assessment techniques, and comparative genomics approaches to identify biological mechanisms affecting economically important traits. The research is expected to result in the development and application of techniques that expedite genetic improvement of aquaculture species for disease resistance, product yield and quality, and reproduction traits.
• The research requires a broad, general knowledge of the biology and culture of aquaculture species, and structure of the industry and breeding programs therein. A thorough professional knowledge of genetics is essential, specifically the statistical analyses of complex, quantitative traits and the utilization of these analyses to design selection and breeding programs for strain improvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees