Overview
We are recruiting a talented post-MS researcher (Researcher I) to begin in Spring 2024. The prospective scientist will be developing innovative methods for invasive population control of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio by assessing timing of sexual differentiation and conducting feminization experiments of captively reared cohorts. This research is critical for the production of YY individuals (fish that are homozygous for the male-coding chromosome) that can be released into an invasive population, skewing the sex ratio towards all male, and eventually leading to their extirpation. Currently, the only existing YY broodstock developed for eradicating invasive fish has been for Brook Trout and their implementation in the field is showing promising results across five states. These results have garnered interest in developing YY broodstock for the most invasive freshwater fish in the world, the Common Carp. In addition to traditional YY broodstock development methods, the successful applicant will attempt to produce YY broodstock in one generation, rather than the usual 3-5 generations, via feminization of androgenetically derived offspring. Such a shortcut process has yet to be successfully conducted for any species.
Responsibilities
This position requires a diverse skillset in aquaculture and fish physiology/histology. The candidates will be constructing aquaculture systems, conducting spawning methods, developing feminization methods using exogenous hormone treatments, conducting androgenesis methods, and assessing developmental impacts of hormone treatments. Although primarily a hatchery-based position, there will be field work involving fish sampling for the capture and establishment of captive broodstocks. Data management and analysis are integral to the success of this project. The selected scientist will obtain mentoring experience working with undergraduate research technicians and graduate student researchers. The researcher will also draft manuscripts on their research. This is a two-year appointment, with possible extension based on funding availability. The partners and sponsors for this project are an excellent consortium of scientists from federal and state agencies. The Researcher will be advised by Dr. Chad Teal (U.S. Geological Survey, Utah State University).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master of Science in fisheries related sciences, aquaculture, aquatic sciences, natural resource management or other related fields
- Hatchery experience or working with captive fish populations
- Writing, organizational, and data management skills
- Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials
Preferred Qualifications:
- A good work ethic
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships with members of the lab, department, and stakeholder groups
- Experience working with state and/or federal natural resource agencies
- Experience and comfortability working with tools and doing light construction
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefitsADA
The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work performed. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).
Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
College/Department Highlights
The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.
The Department of Watershed Sciences in QCNR is a powerhouse in the science of ‘wet’ ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and the watersheds that feed them. Faculty are committed to making science useful for planning, management and restoration efforts, and are well-positioned to study and solve complex, interdisciplinary problems with a cadre of ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, biogeochemists, and others.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.
Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
About the Region
U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.
*updated 04/2024
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov
*updated 09/2023
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