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The University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, National Aplysia Resource, an NIH-sponsored laboratory is seeking a Research Associate 1 to 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 must be motivated, able to work independently and in small teams, have a strong attention to detail, and a great work ethic.

Research Associate will be required to:

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

+ Undertake the daily husbandry routine to ensure 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 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.

+ 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 1 will be expected to show creativity and latitude in developing and performing research tasks under the direct supervision of the Resource Manager including:

+ Assist the Resource Manager in developing methodologies to improve the culture of Aplysia californica through quantitative experimentation to consistently provide high quality animals to end-users. Includes analyzing and interpreting scientific data and assist in preparation of manuscripts for publication when applicable.

+ Assist the Resource Manager in developing protocols for the culture of novel and existing macro algae strains specific to the culture of Aplysia californica.

+ Responsible for the continuous maintenance and development of genetic lines of Aplysia in support of the NIH P40 grant. This includes participating in the isolation and selective breeding of animals and maintaining sibling groups as required by the research community.

+ Oversee all mating of broodstock to insure the continuous availability of eggs for larval culture.

+ Ganglia preparation, as well as dissections of ovotestes and aseptic collection of hemolymph, will be undertaken as needed for sale to researchers.

+ Assist in development of aged, senescent Aplysia for use in aging studies and as a product for sale.

+ 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.

+ Support the overall mission of the National Resource for Aplysia.

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

+ Will report directly to the Resource Manager

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

+ Required Knowledge and Skills

+ Bachelors degree in science required.

+ 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.

+ Working knowledge of statistics.

+ Record keeping, data analysis, scientific writing.

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

+ Fluency in Microsoft Office.

+ Attention to detail is a must.

+ 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 (https://www.hr.miami.edu/careers/eo-ada/index.html) for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

A5