#121742 Seaweed Aquaculture Researcher

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, assist with maintaining and performing research on seaweed cultures in the Smith Lab which consists of several different cultivation systems including aquarium facilities, temperature-controlled nursery and seedbank spaces, and an outdoor experimental seaweed cultivation lab.

Cultivate native CA seaweeds to assess growth rates, productivity and culture viability across seasons for several species with culinary and other commercial potential. Participate in field collections, lab isolation and purification, execution of experiments, data analyses, and presentation of results. Assist with maintenance of seaweed cultures including water replacement for batch cultures and biomass sampling/harvesting for flow through cultures as well as system inspection, filter replacement and tank cleaning.

Perform weekly assessment of algal cultures both in the lab and in outdoor aquaculture tanks. Upon assessment seaweed may be harvested for different purposes including working with partner institutions to assess the potential for extending the shelf life of live or fresh seaweeds for culinary purposes, working with local chefs to incorporate seaweeds into dishes, working with collaborators to assess the health and nutritional characteristics of local seaweeds and perform basic physiological assessments to measure seaweed health.

Produce weekly graphs of growth data from the different cultures, help troubleshoot problems and improve cultivation systems, download temperature logger data, and organize these data in a shared google drive.

Maintain the water filtration systems, both in the wet lab and at the outdoor lab, to ensure adequate water supply for all cultures.

Work with members of the Smith lab including the PI, postdocs, PhD and MS students as well as undergraduate volunteers and be willing to work as part of a team. Assist in organizing team schedules for weekly tasks including water changes, sterilization of culture vessels, autoclaving seawater, and help to keep lab supplies stocked and order as needed. Assess and change seawater filters when needed, and ensure equipment is working properly as well as help to troubleshoot when challenges arise.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Marine biology, aquatic biology, marine science, aquaculture or similar, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Background in marine or aquatic biology with theoretical knowledge of Marine Biology. Knowledge of harvested seaweed and basic understanding of seaweed biology.

• Experience with common marine biology lab practices.

• Experience working in aquaculture or aquatic systems in general. Experience in operating aquarium systems. Technical skills related to running and troubleshooting aquarium systems including some knowledge of plumbing, filtration and tank maintenance.

• Strong computer skills. Experience with use of spreadsheets, preparation of graphs for data visualization, and use of basic statistical analysis software.

• Experience analyzing data.

• Great communication skills and ability to work well as part of a team. Ability to present scientific data.

• Excellent organizational skills. Strong attention to detail.

• Strong work ethic.

• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academics, staff, and students along with government representatives, private organizations, and the public.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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