Research Specialist

William and Mary, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Williamsburg, VIRGINIA
Job Type: FullTime

Position Information
Position Information


Position Number 00608V
Position Title Research Specialist
Employment Category Full Time Operational
Location VIMS - Gloucester
Department 139100 Acuff Center for Aquaculture
Unit Mission Statement
The mission of VIMS is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. VIMS’ strategic sections are committed to the development of resilient systems through a focus on three grand challenges, ensuring science for stewardship of:
  • Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities
  • Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture
  • Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change.


    • The Acuff Center for Aquaculture is a central component of VIMS’ Shellfish Aquaculture Program. The overarching mission of VIMS’ Shellfish Aquaculture Program is to advance and support a thriving sustainable shellfish aquaculture community in Virginia and the United States, through globally relevant shellfish aquaculture science, outreach, and education.
    VIMS’ Shellfish Aquaculture Science Program has four integrated goals:

    • Support prosperous and sustainable shellfish aquaculture production.
    • Produce highly capable individuals skilled in and knowledgeable about shellfish aquaculture production.
    • Engage and empower communities with the best available shellfish aquaculture science.
    • Increase demand and market access for shellfish produced in the United States.

    These goals are accomplished by:
    • Encouraging active collaboration among the many research programs at VIMS and partnering organizations that are engaged in the multi-disciplinary science of shellfish aquaculture, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
    • Engaging stakeholders and students in research to solve real-world problems and improve science-based decision-making.
    • Generating and testing innovative technologies that provide practical, actionable benefits to shellfish aquaculture industries.
    • Training a diverse, capable workforce through education and hands-on training, inclusive of underrepresented groups to meet the needs of shellfish aquaculture industries today and into the future.
    • Serving as a central source of knowledge concerning the practice of shellfish aquaculture and its role in our environment, society, and economy.
    • Responding to concerns, problems, and opportunities raised by the industry, regulatory agencies, and others, while also looking ahead to identify new challenges and opportunities.
    Position Summary
    The Research Specialist role provides support in the performance of various technical, scientific, and analytical activities for research programs. Duties may include, but are not limited to, specialized scientific procedures, conducting experiments and performing basic quantitative or qualitative analysis; planning and maintenance for field assignments and contributing to research procedures, compilation, and distribution of data.
    In the Acuff Center for Aquaculture, the Research Specialist role will assist other facility staff with daily operations in the hatchery and nursery, sustaining the ability to successfully move between multiple, concurrent projects. Primary focuses will be on spawning, larval husbandry, and nursery system maintenance. Under the direction of the Facility Manager, daily tasks may include (but are not limited to):
    • Executing or assisting with shellfish spawns and husbandry tasks for Acuff Center research purposes and client requests.
    • Overseeing larval husbandry work, water changes, and daily monitoring.
    • Maintaining nursery system and equipment function, and overseeing seed husbandry for Acuff Center cultures.
    • Assisting with monitoring, maintenance, and repair of seawater systems.
    • Moving equipment and supply inventories, or modifying spaces for specific facility user groups/projects.
    • Assisting the Algologist with algal culture maintenance, system cleaning, and shellfish feeding.
    • Assisting with water chemistry monitoring and manipulation, equipment calibration, and other practices crucial to preserving optimal environmental conditions for hatchery husbandry.
    • Leading tour groups and assisting with various workshops and outreach events hosted at the Acuff Center as necessary.


    The Research Specialist role is most often the second progression in the Research job family with additional opportunity for career growth and progression.
    Conditions of Employment
    • This is a non-exempt position eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards (FLSA), and in accordance with University policy.
    • This position has been designated as essential and may require reporting to work when the university is officially closed.
    • Weekend and occasional holiday work will be required, especially during the spring and summer seasons. Efforts will be made to plan this work as far in advance as possible and to share responsibilities among facility staff.
    • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
    • This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.
    Essential Designation Yes
    FLSA Non-Exempt
    Position Restricted? Yes, the appointment is limited due to funding availability
    Position Term 12 month - Restricted
    Required Qualifications
    • Associate degree in scientific discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Prior research experience in a scientific discipline including laboratory and field experience, most often obtained through experience and demonstrated competencies as a Research Technician (in the Research Career Path).
    • Experience in aquaculture of shellfish, hatchery husbandry, and/or algal production.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory and field safety.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of research and testing procedures and techniques.
    • Ability to prepare samples and perform standard or routine lab testing.
    • Demonstrated skills in operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
    • Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines or under minimal supervision.
    • Attention to detail in collection and entry of data.
    • Ability to maintain records and record test results to a high degree of accuracy.
    • Proficiency in a variety of software applications to include MS office with the ability to record data.
    • Ability to successfully complete tasks in outdoor environment, as applicable.
    Preferred Qualifications
    • Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Substantive experience in shellfish larval husbandry, seed nurseries, and/or algal production.
    • Understanding of basic supervisory principles with the ability to mentor staff, students, and volunteers.
    • Basic knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
    • Demonstrated ability to conduct a variety of research techniques and procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and collect and report basic findings.
    • Ability to independently carry out structured research projects and provide assistance in developing research procedures.
    • Ability to independently carry out defined procedures and guidelines.
    • Ability to operate a variety of lab and field instrumentation.
    • Ability to communicate data and research findings.
    • Knowledge contract budget maintenance.
    • Working knowledge of small vessels/boats, or ability to obtain small vessel certification
    Is the position remote work eligible? Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)
    Remote Work Disclaimer
    Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
    Advertised Pay Range Up to $47,000
    Advertised Pay Range Statement
    All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.
    University Salary Range U06
    Benefits Summary Statement
    William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
    Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
    Job Open Date 12/20/2023
    Review Begin Date 01/16/2024
    Job Close Date
    Open Until Filled Yes
    Special Application Instructions
    We will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.
    Background Check Statement
    William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
    EEO Statement
    William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

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