What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate - DARE-KY position at Kentucky State University?
TITLE: Research Associate: DARE-KY
DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources
REPORTS TO: State Specialist, Aquaculture
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the State Specialist Aquaponics and in collaboration with project partners, the Research Associate: DARE-KY will engage in research focused on investigating aspects of soilless agriculture including nutrient management, microbial dynamics, and community assembly and metagenomics of endemic microbes. As part of this role, the hire will primarily be responsible for assisting with research investigating soilless agriculture management, nutrient dynamics, and community assembly and metagenomics of endemic microbes. This is a grant funded position.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Conduct replicated research experiments focused on nutrient use in soilless agriculture
- Maintain aquaponics and hydroponics systems including plant and fish husbandry
- Collect and store research samples including plant and fish tissue, microbial biofilms, and DNA/RNA
- Perform water quality testing using spectrophotometry including alkalinity, nitrogen, iron, etc.
- Assist graduate and undergraduate students with laboratory techniques.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, chemical and supply inventories, and compliance with safety protocols.
- Assist in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments related to soilless agriculture research.
- Perform data analysis using statistical software.
- Collaborate with team members on the development of research protocols.
- Assist in the setup and maintenance of aquaponic systems, including monitoring water quality parameters and troubleshooting issues.
- Keep accurate records of experimental procedures, results, and observations.
- Assist with presentation and manuscript preparation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Ability to work with minimum supervision, but cooperatively with others.
- Demonstrated proficiency in organizing and coordinating tasks.
- Capability to create, compose, and edit written scientific materials using Microsoft Office or similar software.
- Proactive initiative, resourcefulness, and punctuality.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- Overseeing students with the guidance of the immediate supervisor.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Perform other related duties as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- M.S. in Aquaculture, Agriculture, Biology, Biotechnology, or related field.
- Experience in aquaponics, hydroponics, or horticulture.
- Experience with recirculating aquaculture systems is a plus.
- Experience with Agilent, Oxford Nanopore, ThermoFisher, and Hach laboratory equipment is a plus.
- Experience in water quality testing using spectrophotometry is a plus.
Licensing and Certifications:
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Most work will be performed in an interior lab and in the field at a farm.
- Will require working in hot and humid environments like greenhouses or wet labs.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds to perform aquaponics related tasks.
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.
