The Aquaculture Biotechnology Research Group (ABRG) at the Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand is advertising for a two-year research officer position to investigate shellfish and finfish health in aquaculture settings using molecular and immunological techniques, as well as metabolomics and other omics approaches. The position is connected to MBIE sub-contract on aquatic health. It is expected that the position will start in October 2020.
The candidate will work together with a team of national and international scientists to study the application of innovative techniques, in biochemistry, molecular, genetics, immunology and omics on aquaculture production research within New Zealand. The team will be responsible for developing novel applied research relevant to the field, as well as generation of new techniques and approaches to further advance research internationally.
The ideal candidate will:
Conduct research in Aquaculture Biotechnology to satisfy current MBIE contracts
Take responsibly of sample processing aimed at molecular analyses
Develop and validate a set of PCR primers beneficial to the monitoring of shellfish and finfish health (i.e. immunology, heat stress etc.)
The position will require the management, execution and generation of outputs for research projects under the Aquaculture Biotechnology Research Group, with specific focus on the MBIE shellfish and finfish projects. The position will require assisting and advicing postgraduate students working in this area, helping design experiments, sample and data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and production of reports.
We are looking for someone with:
Advanced knowledge and experience in biochemistry, molecular, genetics and immunology
Advanced critical thinking skills to carry out aquaculture research
Advanced statistical knowledge and experience
Abilities to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to mentor other students and support ABRG activities
Ability to process samples from external research and student projects
Skills that will be advantageous:
DNA and RNA extraction and purification
Transcriptome library construction and analyses
Advanced insight into real time PCR (qPCR)
PCR primer design and validation
Capability to process PCR and associated data
Cell culture maintenance and growth evaluations (i.e. quantifying colonies)
Culturing bacteria for animal trails
Live-cell / tissue microscopy (cell staining, quantifying, imaging)
Immunohistochemistry / histology sample preparations
The Aquaculture Biotechnology Research Group is a leading research group that provides applied research with direct benefits to the New Zealand aquaculture industry. Projects are funded by MBIE sub-contracts and industry contracts. ABRG pulls together experts, postgraduate and undergraduate students to work on innovative research that can be applied to the aquaculture industry. The group combines key staff from the fields of aquaculture, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, genetics, commercialisation, etc. and aims to:
undertake applied research with direct relevance to New Zealand’s growing aquaculture industry
improve student supervision through a ‘team supervision’ model
develop research excellence through multidisciplinary and cooperative work
Reference: 73473
Closing date: 29 September 2020, 11.55 PM
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