Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Ornamental Fish Aquaculture

Postdoc Aso

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment of inclusive excellence that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. Inclusive excellence is the active process of including and respecting everyone as we strive for excellence and equitable outcomes in all we do at the University of Florida. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

Description: We are currently seeking applicants for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position investigating feeding stimulants and liquid diets to improve larval feeding performance and minimize the use of Artemia in production of freshwater and marine ornamental fish species. The successful applicant will investigate the efficacy of feed attractants in microparticulate diets as well as using commercially available liquid diets to replace Artemia for first feeding larvae of a wide variety of ornamental fish species. Efficacy of each feed attractant will be determined after feeding by digitally measuring larvae, RNA/DNA ratios, and effects on digestive capacity will be assessed via microplate digestive enzyme assays. The funded research will be executed through the collaborative efforts of researchers at the University of Florida’s Indian River Research and Education Center, and Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory.

Location: This position will be located at the University of Florida’s Indian River Research and Education Center, a multi-disciplinary research and extension center located in Fort Pierce, FL with a 26 acre fully equipped aquaculture research lab . Some of the research will be conducted at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, also a fully equipped research and extension center located in Ruskin, Florida. These are both part of the Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at the University of Florida.

Salary/Benefits: Salary of $47,476 annually, plus fringe benefits. Contract will be for 1 year with 1 additional year possible based upon performance.

Start: May 2023 (Summer semester) or when suitable candidate is identified

$47,476

• Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) degree in biology, zoology, marine sciences, aquaculture or related discipline
• Ability to oversee daily activity of a multi-faceted research project and maintenance of live fish in multiple recirculating aquaculture systems
• Independently implement research protocols to fulfill proposed objectives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven record of publishing research results in peer reviewed journals and extension documents
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability.

• Demonstrated research experience and familiarity with aquaculture, induced spawning, and culturing larvae using multiple diets is highly desirable

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

• Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications and experience, as well as research and career aspirations
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial academic transcripts
• Unofficial GRE scores
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

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 of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.