Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hard Clam Research and Breeding Program Leader

Classification Minimum Requirements

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Postdoc Aso

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

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This position will work with the hard clam aquaculture industry to address challenges associated with shellfish culture. Responsibilities will include management of a breeding program for hard clams, and independent research evaluating the environmental stressors influencing shellfish aquaculture in the Cedar Key, FL region. The position will work closely with shellfish farmers, the IFAS Shellfish Extension program, private hatcheries, and a private company to develop a breeding program.

The successful candidate will also develop their own research priorities working with industry, including applying for extramural funding.

This position will manage a clam breeding program and conduct active research addressing stressors influencing hard clam growth and survival. The person is expected to work closely with clam farmers to evaluate factors contributing to growth and survival. Expected research topics addressed should include:
1) manage a selective breeding program working in concert with clam farmers and a private company conducting the genetic analyses
2) explore culture methodologies that can mitigate shellfish mortality, working in collaboration with shellfish farmers.

Marginal functions of the job include some public outreach via social media and press releases about research updates, participation in professional organizations addressing shellfish aquaculture including presentations at conferences, and communication directly with industry on research results and implications for shellfish aquaculture methodology.

This position will be co-supervised by the Director of the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, and the Associate Director of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences , the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station , the Florida Cooperative Extension Service , the College of Veterinary Medicine , the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain).

The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.

UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Experience and Education

A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in biology, ecology, genetics, or physiology with experience in working with shellfish is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values .

Research experience in shellfish ecology/physiology and/or aquaculture, understanding of genetic methods, and experience with field-based research experiments preferred.

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.