Research Assistant Aquaculture Production

TITLE: Research Assistant – 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: Non-Exempt 

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Research Assistant will serve as a core support person to assist the PI, staff, and students to perform research in the Aquaculture Production Sciences group in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources(CAHNR).  He/she will be a key member of the Center for Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture Production, and will be involved in aquaculture production research including such topics as shrimp husbandry, recirculating aquaculture systems, filtration technologies, water quality dynamics, stable isotope dynamics, nutritional efficiencies, aquaponics, microbial ecology, and systems management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist the PI and other supporting staff in conducting experiments; mentor, supervise and lead high school, undergraduate and graduate students in a professional and respectful manner.
• 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.
• The incumbent will help manage laboratory and field spaces in a professional manner.
• Other duties include 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 according to established methods.
• Record and maintain experimental data in proper spreadsheet layout.
• Work on peer reviewed manuscripts, give professional presentations, interact with farmers and potential farmers as well as students at cooperating schools.
• Track applications and correspondence of potential students and student progress.
• Assist CAHNR faculty and staff in using research equipment.
• Other related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Practical experience in research methodology or a demonstrated ability to learn such topics.
• Experience collecting data.
• Applicant should have the ability to work independently and as part of a team with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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.
• Good organizational skills.
• Exhibit professional and personable demeanor.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

      SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

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.
• Occasionally requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50lbs.
• Laboratory work environment which requires basic safety precautions
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require basic safety precautions

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.