Research Associate - Aquaculture Nutrition

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate conducts laboratory and field research, use and maintenance of facilities and equipment, supervise students, facilitates execution of research projects in aquaculture nutrition, and assists with data acquisition and analysis, grant writing and publications.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Coordinate with Principal Investigator to fulfill project objectives. 

• Assist with use and maintenance of equipment, hatchery facilities, ponds, and Water Quality laboratory. 

• Assist other research staff by performing designated procedures and training.  

• Facilitate research and teaching activities among student employees, graduate students, research assistants, and collaborators. 

• Maintain records (research data, analytical procedures, manuals of analytical equipment, etc). 

• Responsible use of KSU vehicles and equipment. 

• Assist with purchasing equipment, materials, and supplies for research projects.   

• Assist with administration of the project to satisfy KSU policies and procedures. 

• Assist with writing grant proposals and refereed manuscripts. 

• Assist with data analysis, and preparation of graphics and text for presentation and publication. 

• Assist in the writing, editing, and submission of technical magazines and peer-reviewed publications.  

• Review up-to-date scientific literature extracting information relevant to research projects.  

• Apply appropriate quality control to ensure validity and reliability of data.  

• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

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OTHER DUTIES:  

• Availability to work part time on weekends and holidays to feed, check water quality, and maintain research systems is required.  

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QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Agriculture or a related field, with a minimum of two years of experience in Aquaculture Nutrition Research.   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Experience with manufacture of research diets for shrimp and finfish.  

• Experience with shrimp and finfish production. 

• Experience conducting nutrition studies (growth and digestibility) with shrimp and finfish. 

• Experience in performing proximate analyses in feeds and tissues of shrimp and finfish. 

• Experience with enzyme assays, plate reader, and analytical equipment.  

• Experience with routine water quality analyses in aquaculture. 

• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting recirculating aquaculture systems. 

• Knowledge of aquaculture nutrition research methods and experimental designs.  

• Knowledge of methods to organize, analyze and present data.  

• Advanced knowledge on Microsoft Office programs. 

• Ability to safely operate a light truck and fish hauling equipment.  

• Ability to plan and execute field activities. 

• Ability to accurately record, organize and interpret data.  

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.  

• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory and field equipment.  

• Ability to perform routine administrative tasks.   

• Ability to work within the guidelines of specific projects.  

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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:   

• At least one year of experience in supervising and monitoring undergraduate and graduate students is required. 

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Physical activity related to farming. Requires handling of farming objects and equipment.  

• May involve standing and/or walking up to four (4) hours per day.  

• Must be able to work outside in Hot and Cold.  

• Laboratory environment; may have exposure to biological, radiation, chemical, and mechanical hazards, vapors, fumes, and temperature variations.  

• Some positions may include regular exposure to hazards associated with research animals.  

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

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.