| About the Position: |
The Tracy Lab at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) (UMBC/ UMB) in downtown Baltimore is hiring a Faculty Research Assistant to help manage field and laboratory research related to a project on oyster parasites, biodiversity, and aquaculture. Research in the Tracy Marine Ecosystem Health & Disease Lab focuses on the health of marine ecosystems in a changing ocean, including the ecology and evolution of host-parasite interactions and the microbiome, spatial ecology, fisheries management, aquaculture, and restoration. The FRA will oversee project logistics, manage relationships with aquaculture industry professionals, and conduct field sampling and laboratory analyses. The successful applicant will be well versed in marine invertebrate biology, experienced with aquaculture techniques and priorities, and able to work well with diverse collaborators and teams.
Summary of Duties
- Lead logistics for planning and executing field research on oyster aquaculture
- Troubleshoot and develop field and lab protocols
- Conduct fieldwork for sampling and experiments
- Process samples in the laboratory (dissections, morphometrics, extractions, PCR, histology, microscopy, assays)
- Contribute to data management, analysis, and stewardship
- Contribute to scientific manuscripts
- Contribute to data synthesis using publicly available data and spatial mapping software
- General lab maintenance: inventory, ordering, finances, permits, maintenance, safety, etc.
- Contribute to lab and IMET outreach and engagement activities
- Assist with other miscellaneous lab management activities
Experience and Education Required
- Bachelor's degree in related field (e.g., ecology, aquatic biology, molecular biology, microbiology, marine science); if not immediately relevant, please explain the connections in the cover letter
- Preferred: Master’s level education or equivalent experience
- Hands-on experience working in both field and laboratory research settings
- Requires travel to offsite locations
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of shellfish physiology
- Molecular biology and microbiology skills from coursework or research
- Use of spreadsheets to organize data, integrate data from multiple spreadsheets, calculate summary statistics, and use other functions
- Use of basic statistics and graphing tools to conduct analyses independently
- Execution of field sampling in inclement weather or harsh conditions
- Ability to lift and carry 40lbs
- Ability to work on small boats
- Strong organizational skills, initiative and ability to work independently
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Firsthand experience with shellfish aquaculture (research, industry, etc.), preferably oyster aquaculture
- Experience working in Chesapeake Bay ecosystems
- Experience in infectious disease diagnostic techniques and paradigms, especially shellfish disease
- Experience and skills in public engagement and stakeholder relationships
- Proficiency in spatial ecology and mapping software (GIS)
- Data management and analysis skills in R or similar software
Remote work is possible at low frequency (10% or less) and will fluctuate seasonally based on in-person demands of field and laboratory research. Travel for research will be local (Chesapeake Bay).
This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal on an annual basis based on performance and funding.
The successful applicant will join a vibrant community at IMET where labs address global marine issues using diverse approaches. In keeping with the strong IMET community, the Tracy Lab emphasizes a positive, collaborative work environment and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. This position will require working collaboratively with other technicians, interns, graduate students, and other labs.
Interested candidates should upload a recently updated curriculum vitae (2 page maximum) and a brief statement of research accomplishments, research interest and any other relevant experience (2 page maximum) to Interfolio site no later than June 21,2024. https://apply.interfolio.com/146292.
Please direct inquiries to Dr. Allison Tracy; amtracy@umbc.edu (Reference Job#146292).
Salary: Commensurate with experience up to $55,000
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| About UMBC: |
UMBC, an honors university serving more than 14,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, is one of two public universities in Maryland to achieve the “doctoral/research university-extensive” Carnegie classification. Located just outside Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, DC, the campus is growing rapidly under dynamic leadership.
Our UMBC community redefines excellence in higher education through an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. We will advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, and will be expected to contribute actively to these efforts (https://diversity.umbc.edu/).
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