Research and Extension Associate Aquaculture Production
Kentucky State University

TITLE: Research and Extension Associate – Aquaculture ProductionDEPARTMENT: School of Aquaculture and Aquatic SciencesREPORTS TO: Principal Investigator CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 monthsEFFECTIVE DATE: TBDSTANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per weekEMPLOYMENT 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 studentsAssist the PI and implement Evans Allen research projects, and externally-funded projectsThe incumbent will conduct collaborative and independent research to help optimize production dynamics and profitability of sustainable aquaculture systemsCare and feeding of fish and shrimp, monitoring animal health and routine monitoring of water quality parameters, building systems, plumbing, carpentry, and general laborMaintain inventory of chemicals, prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratoryAssist in ordering and acquiring animals for experiments, laboratory and husbandry suppliesCollect and maintain data in proper spreadsheet layout and to perform statistical analysis of dataSubmit peer reviewed manuscripts, give professional presentations, interact with farmers and potential farmers as well as students at cooperating schoolsAssist College of Agriculture faculty and staff in using lab equipmentAssist the PI and in writing scientific papers and proposalsTrack applications and correspondence of potential graduate students and student progressSupport and participate in extension/outreach activities related to aquaculture productionMake farm visits, set up and conduct on-farm demonstrationsProvide research-based advice and recommendations to aquaculture farmers and producersOther related duties as required   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. QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of a M.S. in in Aquaculture, Biology, Aquatic Science, Environmental Studies or a similar discipline.  WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

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

  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   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.

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