Research Associate - National Resource for Aplysia

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This position is for a Research Associate employee at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School’s National Resource for Aplysia, an NIH-sponsored laboratory that raises the biomedically important model animal Aplysia californica . This is a position at a unique aquaculture laboratory where we raise this important mollusk throughout its life cycle and provide animals to researchers nationwide. The successful candidate will be motivated, able to work independently and in small teams, have a strong attention to detail, and a great work ethic.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Manage the post-metamorphic production and reproductive colonies of the California sea hare, Aplysia californica, at the UM /NIH Aplysia Resource Facility. This task requires an in-depth knowledge of biology, mariculture and invertebrate husbandry.  

• Undertake the daily husbandry routine to insure a continuous supply of all animal size groups.  Daily husbandry routine includes, but is not limited to, feeding animals, washing animals, cleaning the wet lab, bleaching cages, and maintaining seawater systems.   

• Compile and ship weekly animal orders for shipments of Aplysia to researchers. 

• Compile orders, respond to customers, and prepare FedEx labels, select animals for shipment based on weight, age, group number or other requests, and pack animals and ship weekly. 

• Manage the large scale production of macro algae required to supply the Resource, including strain isolation and maintenance of large quantities of epiphyte-free algae. Includes weekly harvest of 500 pounds of algae in outdoor tanks, scrubbing algae tanks, and fertilizing algae. 

• The Research Associate will be expected to show creativity and latitude in developing and performing research tasks under the direct supervision of the Resource Manager including. 

• Oversee broodstock mating program to insure the continuous availability of eggs for larval culture.  

• Insure the implementation of all biosecurity and safety protocols. 

• Supervising UM volunteers and interns conducting husbandry tasks. 

• Give tours of the Aplysia Facility to student groups and VIP groups in fulfillment of the NIH outreach requirement.  

• Successful candidate will be required to work holidays and weekends as needed. 

• Will be classified an Essential Employee, and will be required to be available before and immediately after major storms. 

 

Required Knowledge and Skills  

• Education- A Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, biology, or a related field. 

• Aquaculture experience required. 

• Experience in invertebrate husbandry, especially mollusks, is a plus. 

• Working knowledge of seawater aquaculture systems, including maintenance and repairs when needed. 

• Ability to work closely with researchers, both at UM and externally. 

• Record keeping, data analysis, scientific writing. 

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and work outdoors and in difficult conditions. 

• Fluency in Microsoft Office. 

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

A5