Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hard Clam Research and Breeding Program Leader

About the role

This position will work with the hard clam aquaculture industry to address challenges associated with shellfish culture. The role 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 in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Management of a breeding program for hard clams
• Independent research evaluating the environmental stressors influencing shellfish aquaculture in the Cedar Key, FL region
• Work closely with shellfish farmers, the IFAS Shellfish Extension program, private hatcheries, and a private company to develop a breeding program
• Develop their own research priorities working with industry, including applying for extramural funding
• Manage a clam breeding program and conduct active research addressing stressors influencing hard clam growth and survival
• Work closely with clam farmers to evaluate factors contributing to growth and survival

Research topics to be addressed

• 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

Marginal functions

• 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

Required qualifications

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

Preferred qualifications

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