Shellfish Positions Available
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Shellfish Positions Available |
The Taylor Harper Shellfish Graduate Research Fellowship
A Fellowship Program for Auburn University Fisheries & Allied Aquacultures Graduate Students
Application and Award Guidelines
Deadline for submitting applications is July 20th, 2009
Auburn University Department of Fisheries & Allied Aquacultures
A mission of the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures is to conduct research on all aspects of water resource management, including shellfish aquaculture, animal health, genomics, ecology, conservation, and fisheries management. We are providing Alabama with sound information that is used to educate Alabama policy makers, and citizens, as well as the scientific community to better manage and conserve shellfish resources.
Shellfish Research Assistantship Program
The Program seeks to encourage promising graduate student applicants to the Department of Fisheries & Allied Aquacultures to pursue a degree focused on questions related to the aquaculture, fisheries management, restoration and/or marketing of shellfish. The Fellowship Program will provide two years of support for a graduate student stipend, with the student expected to work at the Department’s Shellfish Laboratory on Dauphin Island (AL) during at least two full summer semesters. Required course work can be taken on main campus at Auburn University (minimum two semesters) and at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab under an approved plan of study.
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
• Have submitted a completed graduate school application to AU Graduate School with all required documents at the time of application for a Assistantship Program award;
• Have a combined score of 1200 or higher on the General Graduate Record Examinations (GRE’s);
• Agree to work at least 20 hours per week at the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory (Dauphin Island, AL) during the full summer terms for the duration of the assistantship; and
• Be a citizen of the United States or its territories or possessions or be lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Resident aliens must include their green card number in their application. AU may choose to verify this number with the Bureau of US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Auburn University recognizes the need for students of all backgrounds and ethnic groups. For this reason, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application & Submission
Applications must be received in the Department of Fisheries & Allied Aquacultures office by July 20th and clearly noted as for the Shellfish Research Fellowship Program. A complete application packet will consist of one original of the following items:
• A one-page cover letter describing your academic and career goals and how the Fellowship will help you achieve these goals;
• A one-page statement describing the problem or area of study you tentatively* propose to pursue as an awardee including:
o A description of the scientific and/or societal importance of your proposed research or general topic of study;
o An outline of the likely study methods (i.e., hypotheses to be tested, the methodologies to be used, etc.); and
o A statement of how you hope to make use of the Shellfish Laboratory and your residence along the Alabama coastline during the period of this assistantship;
• Curriculum Vitae: A document not to exceed three (3) pages highlighting your education, experience, awards received, publications, community service record, etc.;
• Three academic or professional letters of recommendation; and
• Transcripts of all academic coursework (unofficial transcripts and photocopies are acceptable).
The Department will acknowledge receipt of Fellowship applications within five business days of submission. Based on the full application, a selection committee will conduct a merit review of the applicants.
*This statement is designed to allow you to demonstrate your reasoning and communication abilities, as well as provide an opportunity to highlight your interests. It is not a formal research proposal and is not binding. Fellows will determine a formal research proposal through consultation with his or her major professor and as approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee.
APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA
Each application will be evaluated on the following criteria:
• Applicant’s dedication to her or his studies and long-term career goals;
• Evidence of research capability and competence;
• Proven academic excellence;
• Organizational, analytical, and communication skills; and
• Innovativeness of proposed research and relevance to the region.
AWARD INFORMATION
Award Provisions, Requirements, and Restrictions
The Fellowship Program will award up to two year’s of graduate student stipend (an assistantship) for a Fellow pursuing Master’s or doctoral research (currently $15,495 for MS and $17,220 for PhD), beginning in the fall semester following the application deadline. Graduate students on assistantships are eligible for tuition waivers through presidential fellowships.
Award Deliverables
Acknowledgment of the Fellowship and its support in all publications resulting from this research, including thesis or dissertation, and refereed and non-refereed articles.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT APPLICATION PACKETS, CONTACT:
Dr. William Walton, Auburn University Shellfish Lab, 150 Agassiz Street, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528, billwalton@auburn.edu, or 251-861-3018, x2.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY July 20th, 2009.
Graduate Assistantship in Natural Resources
Agency/Location: Delaware State University, Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Dover, DE, USA.
Project & Responsibilities: The research will focus on oyster restoration efforts in Delaware Bay and their impacts on the development of associated faunal communities.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s of Science Degree in biology, biological sciences, marine biology, fisheries, aquaculture, natural sciences, environmental sciences or related field; cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher. GRE score is highly suggested. Proof of U.S. citizenship will be required prior to acceptance into the program.
Salary: $18,000/year for up to two years along with $5,000/year in tuition. Second year’s funding is dependent on the first year’s performance and funding renewal.
Closing Date: August 17, 2009
Start Date: August of 2009 and will be filled as soon as suitable candidate is identified.
Contact: To be considered, applicants must submit a letter of interest, CV, an unofficial copy of their transcripts and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay at the address below prior to official application:
Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay
Associate Professor
Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Delaware State University
1200 North Dupont Highway
Dover, Delaware 19901
Phone: (302) 857-6476
Fax: (302) 857-6402
Email: gozbay@desu.edu
6.09
Genome Atlantic’s C-ADAP3T (Comparative Assessment of Diploid and Polyploid Physiology and Production Traits) Cod Project, funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Atlantic Innovation Fund) and others, is a large, multi-disciplinary research effort that will: 1) perform a comprehensive evaluation of how triploidy influences production-relevant traits; and 2) develop molecular and other genetic markers of superior egg quality in cod. See www.genomeatlantic.ca for details.
We have openings for two M.Sc. students, three Ph.D. students and one post-doctoral fellow in this exciting project. Although the specific research programs of these individuals will depend on interests, work will be conducted in the following areas:
1. Growth and feed utilization, including genes and molecular pathways involved in their regulation;
2. Thermal tolerance and metabolic capacity, assessed using a variety of approaches including functional genomics;
3. Stress and immune responses, assessed using various approaches including functional genomics;
4. Identification and validation of molecular biomarkers of superior egg quality; and
5. Cage site performance, including behavioural studies using telemetry.
Funding is available immediately, with all positions to be filled between April 1 and September 1, 2009. Experience in fish research, husbandry and/or some of the areas listed above would be an asset. However, training will be provided in the techniques required for particular projects. These techniques could include the following: DNA microarray hybridization, quantitative reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction, cDNA library construction and characterization for targeted gene discovery, microscopy and image analysis, respirometry, bioenergetics, proximate analysis, fish telemetry, spectrophotometry, ELISA, radioimmunoassays etc.
These positions will be with Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and the University of New Brunswick (UNB). However, candidates working in New Brunswick will conduct their research at the St. Andrews Biological Station (SABS, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sabs/). Principal Investigators involved in this research are Dr. Kurt Gamperl (MUN), Dr. Edward Trippel (SABS), Dr. Matthew Rise (MUN), and Dr. Tillmann Benfey (UNB). Interested applicants should send a statement of interest, a resume, academic transcript(s) from previous degree(s) (unofficial copies are acceptable) and
the names and contact details for 3 referees who can comment on the applicant’s research experience/ potential to Krista Melville (kmelville@genomeatlantic.ca). For further information about C-ADAP3T or aspects of the research program/positions please contact Dr. Kurt Gamperl (709-737-2692; kgamperl@mun.ca) or Dr. Edward Trippel (506-529-5937; edward.trippel@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).
*2.12.09*
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Description Director of Ecosystem-Based Strategies
JOB TITLE: PROGRAM DIRECTOR I
JOB FAMILY: Conservation
JOB NUMBER: 250005
SALARY GRADE: 7
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• BA/BS degree and 5 years experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with Marine and Freshwater ecosystems required.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
• Experience in written and verbal communication.
• Supervisory experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Director of Ecosystem-Based Strategies directs the development and implementation of projects that bring together science, governmental policy, and site-based conservation strategies to conserve the Marine and Freshwater ecosystems in New Jersey.. S/he serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community in Marine and large-scale freshwater projects. The position has a special focus on the Delaware River and Bay and New Jersey Atlantic Coastal ecosystems. This may include one or more of the following functions:
• Establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of responsibility
• Defines conservation priorities in the area of responsibility
• Leads and manages team which supports and improves conservation efforts
• Builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field
• Develops key partnerships with public and private organizations and other Chapters of The Nature Conservancy in order to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices
• Develops innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs
• Engages local community support for local conservation efforts
• Negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities
• Develops and implements conservation strategies
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• BA/BS degree and 5-7 years experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with Marine and Freshwater ecosystems required.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions
• Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives
• Motivating team members, setting goals, and leading efforts
• Delivering practical, adaptable products and services to customers
• Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs
• Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising
• Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, including the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance.
• Successful experience in partnership development (partners, community, government, etc); political savvy.
• Proven interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
• Diagnoses complex problems and identifies creative solutions
• Interprets guidelines, evaluates information, and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances
• Manages and prioritizes tasks from multiple sources
• Designs, implements, and directs complex and diverse projects, encompassing multiple programs and coordinating the work of other professionals, inside and outside the organization. Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives
• Negotiates complex agreements, sometimes in political environments
• Develops and implements creative ideas to improve overall performance in conservation strategies
• Formulates, evaluates, and decides broad organizational policies and long-term programs
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
• Ensures program accountability and legal compliance
• Assesses decisions’ potential impact on colleagues’ work, public image, scientific credibility and financial and legal standings
• Makes decisions based on incomplete or ambiguous information and accepts associated risks
• Makes independent strategic decisions frequently based on analysis, experience and judgment
• Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:
• Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
• Responsible for operating within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance. Develop and administer departmental budget and has authority to modify budget based on changing circumstances.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• Develops long-term strategies and achieves strategic goals and objectives
• Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
• Builds cooperative relationships and collaborates with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the general public, to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy efforts
• Commands attention, changes tactics midstream as necessary, and manages group processes during presentations or discussions
• May speak with and in front of varied audiences on scientific topics and the Conservancy’s mission
• Ability to establish excellent working relationships with outside partners, state/local/federal agencies, land managers, private landowners and the academic community.
• Work effectively in high-tension situations and maintain composure under pressure. Diffuses high-tension situations comfortably
• Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, preserve staff, and others, providing and obtaining needed information
• Ability to articulate lessons learned regarding conservation initiative successes and failures
• Ability to simplify and explain complex scientific data to general audiences
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Program Director I may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:
• require occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present occasional possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings
This position may also:
• require frequent travel domestically and/or internationally
• require evening and weekend hours
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See Also: AquaNIC and the World Aquaculture Society: Employment Service Web page for job postings.