The mission of VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science) 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:

1. Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities
2. Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture
3. Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change

The Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Lab & Team is part of the Virginia Institute’s Shellfish Aquaculture Program. The Shellfish Aquaculture Program’s mission is to ensure a thriving shellfish seafood community in Virginia, the United States and the world, through globally relevant research, extension and education. We strive to achieve this overall mission through three related component missions:

1. To better understand the value of natural environments and promote best practices that lead to sufficient and sustainable shellfish production which in turn supports harvesters, growers, producers, distributors and consumers of shellfish.
2. To develop an inclusive, capable workforce in shellfish seafood related fields, with informed and engaged supportive communities.
3. To increase consumer demand for shellfish. We accomplish this mission through applied research, conducted in the field and the laboratory and in cooperation with commercial producers.

Position Summary

The Research Specialist Advanced role performs advanced to expert level responsibilities in a laboratory, field setting, or for scientific research. This position engages in complex scientific procedures or research for a program manager, principal investigator or project director or by continuing to deliver scientific services while assuming additional supervisory and administrative responsibilities. Responsibilities include leading work in the application of lab techniques field surveys or research procedures; writing or modifying computer programs to analyze data and generate reports; researching literature related to project/procedures; conducting experiments; writing segments of reports and manuscripts; contribute to coordination of grant by tracking budget expenditures; assisting lower level staff; troubleshooting instrument problems and performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

The Research Specialist Advanced role is most often the third progression in the Research job family, following the Research Specialist position. Specifically, the Shellfish Aquaculture Farm & Lab Specialist coordinates field and laboratory research activities and supports collaborations within the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and external research institutions. The position participates in or leads seasonal field project maintenance (including primary responsibility for shellfish research farm) and sampling efforts, either locally in the Chesapeake Bay area or other regions.

The specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Maintain a shellfish research farm
• Assist in experimental design including setup, data collection and management
• Establish protocols for field sampling and associated in-lab processing
• Perform data analysis and create graphs, tables, etc. as required for reports, publications and presentations
• Oversee database management, method development and quality control
• Assist in the acquisition, installation and maintenance of new instrumentation
• Manage the inventory and procurement, maintenance of field gear and equipment and oversight of general lab and field safety
• Provide training and supervision of students

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
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to successfully work in all weather conditions
• Must be certified or become certified to operate a small boat (vessel), within six (6) months of hire
• This position is subject to the availability of funds after nine (9) months; if funding becomes available this position may be extended
• This position will require overtime (additional hours beyond the standard work schedule), to include some nights and weekends, depending on the experiment or field schedule

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience

COMPETENCIES:

• 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
• Ability to obtain small vessel certification, when applicable

EXPERIENCE:

• Highly experienced in laboratory, field, and research discipline, most often obtained through experience and demonstrated competencies as a Research Specialist (in the Research Career Path)
• Experience in shellfish aquaculture

Preferred Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Graduate studies in aquaculture, marine science, biological, chemical or environmental science or closely related field is highly desirable

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to develop experimental design and research procedures
• Ability to operation, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of lab and field instrumentation
• Ability to lead, mentor, and teach basic research processes, safety, techniques and methodology to lower-level employees
• Ability to oversee and direct basic research operations including laboratory and field duties of lower-level employees
• Knowledge of computer programing software (such as automating and analysis – R, Matlab, Python, SAS, GIS, webpage, etc
• Ability to present data and training to other research groups and external contacts.
• Knowledge of research proposal process
• Technical writing skills
• Knowledge of basic budget expenditures and financial reporting
• Working knowledge of small vessels/boats

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior research experience in scientific discipline including laboratory and field experience, most often obtained through experience and demonstrated competencies as a Research Technician (in the Research Career Path)
• Substantive experience in shellfish aquaculture

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

Advertised Pay Range: $47,000

Closing Date: February 12, 2024

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.