Research Associate - Aquaculture Nutrition

Kentucky State University - Frankfort, KY

Full-time - Mid Level

Frankfort, KY

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Associate in Aquaculture Nutrition at Kentucky State University is responsible for conducting laboratory and field research related to aquaculture nutrition. This role involves supervising students, maintaining research facilities, assisting with data analysis, and contributing to grant writing and publications. The position requires collaboration with the Principal Investigator to achieve project objectives and ensure the validity and reliability of research data.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

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

Nice-to-haves

• Supervisory experience with undergraduate and graduate students.