Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hard Clam Research and Breeding Program Leader

University of Florida • Levy, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with the hard clam aquaculture industry to address challenges associated with shellfish culture. This role involves managing a breeding program for hard clams and conducting independent research on environmental stressors influencing shellfish aquaculture in the Cedar Key, FL region. The position will collaborate closely with shellfish farmers, the IFAS Shellfish Extension program, private hatcheries, and a private company to develop a breeding program. The successful candidate will also develop their own research priorities, including applying for extramural funding. The position will manage a clam breeding program and conduct active research addressing stressors influencing hard clam growth and survival, exploring culture methodologies to mitigate shellfish mortality. Marginal functions include public outreach via social media and press releases, participation in professional organizations with presentations at conferences, and communication of research results to industry stakeholders. This position will be co-supervised by the Director of the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station and the Associate Director of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program.

Requirements

• Received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.
• A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in biology, ecology, genetics, or physiology with experience in working with shellfish is required.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Nice To Haves

• Research experience in shellfish ecology/physiology and/or aquaculture.
• Understanding of genetic methods.
• Experience with field-based research experiments.

Responsibilities

• Management of a breeding program for hard clams.
• Independent research evaluating the environmental stressors influencing shellfish aquaculture in the Cedar Key, FL region.
• Develop own research priorities working with industry, including applying for extramural funding.
• Manage a selective breeding program working in concert with clam farmers and a private company conducting the genetic analyses.
• Explore culture methodologies that can mitigate shellfish mortality, working in collaboration with shellfish farmers.
• Some public outreach via social media and press releases about research updates.
• Participation in professional organizations addressing shellfish aquaculture including presentations at conferences.
• Communication directly with industry on research results and implications for shellfish aquaculture methodology.

Benefits

• The University of Florida and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree