Opportunity

Ocean Career: Aquaculture Algalogist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science

The Aquaculture Algalogist performs large-scale microalgae production for the support of the Acuff Center for Aquaculture hatchery.

Large volume production systems include flow-through hanging bags, standing bags as well as static kwall culture. It is expected that four or more algae species will be propagated routinely in addition to species dictated by specialized research projects or industry inquiry. The algalogist will also support daily hatchery and nursery operations including, but not limited to, algal stock care, bivalve brood stock conditioning advice and brood stock husbandry.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Manage large scale propagation of microalgae, including maintaining specialized cultures, equipment, and a clean working environment. Determine and execute brood stock and larval feed rations.
  • Provide starter algae cultures for industry hatcheries, VIMS investigators and students, and other academic institutes upon request.
  • Assists Acuff Manager in operations and maintenance of Acuff nursery for users
  • Provides training and oversight of Acuff technical staff. Provides teaching assistance for training/outreach programs. Provides tours of the hatchery, nursery and algae production systems upon request.
  • Repairs equipment as required and orders necessary parts and supplies through BuyW&M Establishes maintenance schedules for algae and broodstock equipment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in marine biology, aquaculture, microbiology or equivalent combination of education and or specialized skills directly related to the position.

Competencies

  • Knowledge of modern algae propagation techniques and bivalve shellfish husbandry.
  • Working knowledge of microalgae propagation laboratory techniques including understanding of running large-scale flow-through production systems.
  • Working knowledge of equipment needed to operate and repair an algae production system including steam sterilizers, water ultra-purifiers, water pumps, and air and CO2 delivery. Strong problem solving and technical skills with the ability to repair equipment as needed.
  • Proficiency with a variety of software applications, including MS office and web-based applications. Ability to record and maintain data using spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications
  • Basic knowledge of supervisory principles with the ability to mentor, lead staff and supervise students.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the proven ability to work effectively with a diverse campus community and as part of a team. Proven abilities both as an individual contributor and as a collaborative team member.

Experience

  • Significant hands-on / practical experience propagating marine microalgae, with modern algae propagation techniques and bivalve shellfish husbandry.
  • Experience in training, overseeing and or overseeing the work of others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, or aquaculture or microbiology, with substantive experience directly related to the position.

Competencies

  • Working knowledge of commercial oyster hatchery and farm operations, with the ability to run a land-based nursery.
  • Demonstrated ability to sustain and propagate high quality microalgal cultures.
  • Proven skills and abilities to practice aseptic techniques relating to algae culture, perform propagation of algae from stock culture through to high-density, large-scale culture.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to calculate algae cell densities and translate cell densities to users needing feeding or brood stock conditioning advice.
  • Excellent Problem solving and proven technical skills to operate water filtration equipment, troubleshoot and make repairs to instrumentations.
  • Working knowledge of procurement and ordering supplies, with the ability to source and procure equipment, supplies and reagents using BuyW&M.
  • Effective advisory skills with the ability to advise to academic institutions and industry in algae culture techniques and bivalve hatchery practices.

Experience

  • Extensive experience growing algae for a bivalve shellfish hatchery.
  • Substantive experience designing and/or building algae production systems.
  • Experience running a land-based nursery.
  • Experience with oyster or clam spawning and larval husbandry is a plus.
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience is a plus.

Salary: $45,000 to $48,800. Commensurate with experience.
Location: VIMS – Gloucester, Virginia
Application Deadline: January 10, 2022
Position Term: Full-time, 12-months

Conditions of Employment

  • This is a non-exempt position eligible to receive over-time 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 college is officially closed.
  • All staff and faculty must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination must be provided on the employee’s first day of employment. If an accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.

Learn more about this position and how to apply.

Our Partners

Frontiers in Marine Science
UNESCO
Image

ECO Magazine is a marine science trade publication committed to bringing scientists and professionals the latest ground-breaking research, industry news, and job opportunities from around the world.

Corporate

8502 SW Kansas Ave
Stuart, FL 34997

info@tscpublishing.com

Newsletter Signup

The ECO Newsletter is a weekly email featuring the Top 10 stories of the past seven days, providing readers with a convenient way to stay abreast on the latest ocean science and industry news.