Research and Extension Associate Aquaculture Production

TITLE: Research and Extension Associate – Aquaculture Production

DEPARTMENT: School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator 

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT 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 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
• Care and feeding of fish and shrimp, monitoring animal health and routine monitoring of water quality parameters, building systems, plumbing, carpentry, and general labor
• Maintain inventory of chemicals, prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory
• Assist in ordering and acquiring animals for experiments, laboratory and husbandry supplies
• Collect and maintain data in proper spreadsheet layout and to perform statistical analysis of data
• Submit peer reviewed manuscripts, give professional presentations, interact with farmers and potential farmers as well as students at cooperating schools
• Assist College of Agriculture faculty and staff in using lab equipment
• Assist the PI and in writing scientific papers and proposals
• Track applications and correspondence of potential graduate students and student progress
• Support and participate in extension/outreach activities related to aquaculture production
• Make farm visits, set up and conduct on-farm demonstrations
• Provide research-based advice and recommendations to aquaculture farmers and producers
• Other 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