School of Applied Science - Research Assistant (Aquaculture Genetics)

[What the role is]

School of Applied Science - Research Assistant (Aquaculture Genetics)

[What you will be working on]

• Plan and conduct life science R&D experiments and routine research activities with a focus on aquaculture, including fish husbandry and breeding, developmental biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, diagnostics and fish health.
• Support aquaculture genetics and genomics research, including sample collection and processing, molecular assays, genotyping/sequencing workflows, and preparation of genetic and phenotypic datasets.
• Perform basic analysis and interpretation of experimental, genetic and genomic data using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics tools.
• Review relevant scientific literature and contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, research manuscripts and other scientific outputs.
• Support research activities related to genetic diversity, population genetics, genetic traceability, marker development and selective breeding, where applicable.
• Work closely with the Project Leader, Co-Project Leaders and research team to achieve project objectives, timelines and deliverables.
• Coordinate and support sampling, phenotyping and experimental activities with collaborating institutions, farms and other project partners where required.
• Mentor and support students involved in Final Year Projects, internships, short-term work attachments and similar programmes.
• Support procurement of consumables and equipment, research documentation, experimental records and general laboratory management.
• Perform any other related duties assigned by the Project Leader and Co-Project Leaders.

[What we are looking for]

• Relevant qualification in Life Sciences, Aquaculture, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Agriculture or a related discipline.
• Experience in aquaculture research and/or operations would be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with molecular biology and genetics techniques, including DNA/RNA-based assays, genotyping or sequencing workflows, would be advantageous.
• Experience handling and analysing biological, genetic, genomic or transcriptomic datasets would be advantageous.
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics, population genetics and/or statistical data analysis, with familiarity with relevant analytical software or programming tools, would be an advantage.
• Ability to read and critically evaluate scientific literature and contribute to scientific reports and research manuscripts.
• Good laboratory, documentation, research and data analysis skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with external collaborators.
• Good planning, organisational and multitasking skills, with a strong sense of responsibility, ownership and initiative in completing assigned tasks.
• Proficient in IT applications and research-related software.
• Successful candidate will be employed on a contract basis and may be based fully or on a rotational basis at collaborating research institutions or aquaculture facilities.