Program Manager, Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center

Job Details

Job Summary 
This position will serve as the coordinator and manager of the research and related programs for the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC). Programs include broodstock management, live feeds production, larval and juvenile husbandry, aquatic animal health, RAS design and operation, genetics, reproductive physiology, and near/offshore aquaculture. This position will help formulate the research vision for the overall program, help develop strategic objectives, and coordinate the implementation plans to accomplish the work. The position is expected to compete for, secure, and successfully manage grant-funded research projects consistent with ongoing priorities at the Center as well as any new priorities that may be developed. In addition, the position is expected to insure the transfer of results to the wider scientific community and the aquaculture industry through appropriate publications, reports, and presentations. The position is associated with Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center in Ocean Springs, MS. The Center is part of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), a unit of the University of Southern Mississippi. The Center is located on the Cedar Point campus of GCRL, a 225-acre site devoted primarily to marine aquaculture. The Center currently includes approximately 100,000 square feet of culture space devoted to live feed, broodstock, hatchery, nursery/growout, laboratory, experimental, and analytical facilities. Support for aquaculture operations at other USM/GCRL sites may be required based on research priorities. The position will be supported initially by full salary funding. However, it is expected that the role will begin transitioning to 50% salary support after 2 years. By the end of the third year, the selected candidate will be responsible for securing funding through grants, partnerships, and other sources to support at least 50% of their salary and research activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide leadership for planning and implementing the research and development activities at the Center.
2. Perform project management and principal investigator functions in grant proposal development/submission and project reporting including planning, organizing, budgeting, and implementing new and existing research programs as well as presenting research findings at local and regional scientific meetings. Author papers in refereed journals and write proposals and technical reports.  
3. Oversee standard operating procedures and data-management related to TCMAC aquaculture operations.
4. Interface with state, federal, and private entities relating to TCMAC programs and activities.
5. Prepare presentations and reports and analyze data as required by funding agencies, permitting agencies and for program documentation and management decisions.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to plan and organize research projects and effectively manage subordinate personnel to achieve research objectives
  
• Ability to present the results of research effectively in written, oral and graphic form
  
• Ability to consult with state and federal agencies on developing research grants and fulfilling grant objectives
  
• Considerable knowledge of technical analyses and the use of laboratory equipment
  
• Ability to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and making decisions, to present comments and opinions clearly and concisely, and to deal tactfully with others
  
• Ability to effectively present study results to appropriate scientific and governmental groups

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
 A master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Aquaculture, Biology, Fisheries Biology, Biological Science, Marine Biology Marine Ecology, Ichthyology, or a related field; seven (7) years’ experience in aquaculture research; and a record of grantsmanship, publication, and project management. A valid Driver’s License is required. Above graduation from a standard four-year college or university, related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis.

Preferred Qualifications  
 A Ph.D. from an accredited four-year college or university in Aquaculture, Biology, Fisheries Biology, Biological Science, Marine Biology Marine Ecology, Ichthyology, or a related field; and a record of grantsmanship, publication, and project management.

Contact Information

To apply:

https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=4453&site=1