Research Associate

Description

Classification

Nonexempt

Reports to

Research Scientist or Chief Science Officer

What it’s really like to work here 

At Riverence, we do things differently. We work together as a team, like a close-knit family, to achieve innovation, initiative, and encouragement in the workplace. We are on the mission to raise the standards of aquaculture, redefine what it means to be a responsible fishery and become the leading provider of truly sustainable seafood. Riverence consists of facilities located primarily in the Magic Valley of ID that range from 14 different fish farms, a research and development facility, a processing plant, and 4 brood facilities that are located in WA and rural ID. 

We offer excellent comprehensive benefits to our employees to ensure their health which include medical, dental, vision, 401K with company match, life insurance, short term & long-term disability plans and more! 

If you are ready to put in hard work as a valued member of our team, while making a positive difference in our environment, Riverence is the fit for you! 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Research Associate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the scientific method, rigorous testing of hypotheses, and close attention to detail in planning and executing research involving trout and salmon. Responsibilities include planning and day-to-day oversight of projects in accordance with established research priorities, training of new personnel to ensure effective completion of research tasks, and coordination activities to promote efficiency in successful execution of the Riverence R&D agenda. Other duties may include assisting laboratory staff with provision of routine scientific services and contributing to development of new research projects/lines of inquiry.  

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and overseeing research involving live trout and salmon
• Providing daily care to experimental animals consistent with animal welfare standards to ensure the generation of valid data
• Conducting field sampling and laboratory assays in support of ongoing research initiatives 
• Documenting and managing data in keeping with standards of laboratory records-keeping
• Training others to effectively care for research animals, record data, and contribute effectively to other research activities
• Data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of technical presentations and reports
• Preparation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures for research tasks
• Ordering supplies and inventory management for research projects
• Contributing to research program management, including scheduling of research projects and co-leading R&D team meetings
• Exhibiting familiarity with and adherence to laboratory safety standards and other safety guidance
• Always working to produce products people can trust by recognizing poor quality and communicating with management.
• Providing prompt, friendly and courteous service to internal and external customers.
• Continually pursuing sustainability of our natural resources with every decision, decreasing waste and being conscious of individual choices
• Advocating positive change within our team, empowering one another
• Completing other duties as required

Requirements

Competencies

• Experience conducting and overseeing fisheries or aquaculture research
• Familiarity with principles of experimental design and statistical analysis
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate technical information to others (e.g., scientific literature, documentation related to specialized equipment or procedures) 
• Competency with Microsoft Office program suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities at once by focusing on one task while keeping track of others
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, safety, and continual improvement

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Work Environment

This job occasionally involves work in an outdoor environment and may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• This job is occasionally physically demanding and requires the ability to lift 50 pounds.  
• Alternately walking and sitting for long periods of time is required. 
• The ability to bend, squat, kneel, step, reach, lift, push, pull, see, hear and talk are required.  
• Fine motor skills associated with laboratory work (e.g., necropsy procedures, chemical handling, operation of analytical equipment) are required.  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, which could include occasional work on Saturdays or Sundays

Travel

Local travel is required

Required Education and Experience

• The ability to speak, read, understand and follow directions with or without reasonable accommodations
• Master’s degree in fisheries, aquaculture, or a related field —or— Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience
• Experience conducting and overseeing aquaculture research
• Technical presentations in professional settings and/or (co)authorship of peer-reviewed publications
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record

Preferred Education and Experience

• Additional post-graduate education, training, or experience specializing in fisheries, aquaculture, or a related field
• Competency in project management/coordination activities, including budgets and personnel supervision

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

None

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.