New Hampshire Sea Grant seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Associate in Aquaculture Research and Extension to join our team based at the University of New Hampshire.
Position Title: Postdoctoral Associate in Aquaculture Research and Extension
Department: New Hampshire Sea Grant (NHSG)
Application Link: https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/54666
Reports To: Director of New Hampshire Sea Grant
Position Type: Full-time, 12-month fiscal-year, fixed-length position (2 years of funding)
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off
Location: Durham, NH
Work Environment / Dynamics: The individual in this position will work in the New Hampshire Seacoast region, with their office location at the University of New Hampshire campus in Durham. Hybrid work arrangements may be possible with the approval from supervisor and upper-level administrators.
Work Schedule: Normal New Hampshire Sea Grant office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Schedule adjustments, including some evening and occasional weekend work throughout the state, will be necessary to meet the needs of the projects.
Position Overview
The Postdoctoral Associate in Aquaculture Research and Extension with New Hampshire Sea Grant will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of researchers and extension professionals based at the University of New Hampshire. The Postdoctoral Associate will develop and lead both research and extension activities that directly address the short- and long-term needs of farmers and other aquaculture stakeholders in the NH Seacoast Region. The Postdoctoral Associate will do so in collaboration with other faculty and staff in New Hampshire Sea Grant, UNH Cooperative Extension, various UNH departments, state agencies, and stakeholder groups to help build regional capacity to track relevant research findings and lessons from a range of disciplines, strengthen relationships between research and industry, and implement and develop new collaborative transdisciplinary and co-produced lines of research. Particular attention will be focused on approaches that integrate technical, ecological, and socio-economic opportunities and challenges. Primary guidance and support will be provided by New Hampshire Sea Grant staff, and an academic department-based mentor will be determined based on the interests of the successful applicant. The successful applicant will have opportunities to develop and implement publishable engaged research and/or needs-centered extension activities. A project steering committee will meet quarterly and provide support for the duration of the position. The successful applicant will help build statewide capacity to inform and support aquaculture that meets the needs and interests of the people and ecosystems of the NH Seacoast and associated region. The successful applicant will have access to networking and professional development opportunities with other UNH Postdoctoral Associates as well as through the National Sea Grant network. The position is funded for two years. Typical hiring range is $55,000 to $60,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Designs, implements, evaluates, and communicates to stakeholders a Plan-of-Work that aligns with the NH Sea Grant mission and addresses aquaculture development using a social-ecological framework to explore technological and social feasibility of expanding and improving aquaculture in New Hampshire.
- Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates collaborative research programming in partnership with researchers, industry members, and community partners. Particular attention will be focused on approaches that integrate technical, ecological, and socio-economic opportunities and challenges. Projects will use engaged scholarship and co-production of knowledge to frame the work to build bridges across academic, industry, and regulatory partnerships. Specific projects will be determined based on the exact skillset and interests of the selected candidate, but could include:
- Analysis of ecological, social and governance feasibility for equitable expansion of aquaculture in NH.
- Implementation of technical “mini trials” to improve and expand NH aquaculture practices.
- Development of curriculum, professional training, and resources for current or perspective NH farmers.
- Exploration of social license (public awareness, acceptance and/or support) for aquaculture in NH.
- Generation of new projects and grant proposals that integrate technical, ecological, and/or human dimensions questions.
- Coordinates with state and federal agencies (NHDES, NHFG) to assist with research and outreach activities to farmers and consumers.
- Builds and sustains relationships and collaborates with colleagues relevant to the project from NH Sea Grant, Cooperative Extension, faculty and staff from other UNH academic departments, and faculty and staff throughout the University System of New Hampshire and other partners.
- Partners with faculty and staff to disseminate the results of research and other scholarly work.
- Seeks ways to reach under-served, under-represented, and historically excluded community members while ensuring compliance with affirmative action, equal opportunity, and civil rights guidelines.
- Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications
REQUIRED
- Ph.D. or terminal degree in a field relevant to the duties of the position by date of hire and no more than five years from the award year (2018-2023). Relevant degrees include but are not limited to marine biology, oceanography, engineering, sociology, environmental studies, etc.
- Knowledge of current and emerging issues, practices, and trends in the relevant field.
- Proven ability to achieve goals and manage multiple tasks.
- Documented record of conducting high-quality, applied scientific research, demonstrated by publication in peer-reviewed journals, Extension-type fact sheets, and/or popular press.
- Excellent interpersonal, technical writing, and public communication skills.
- Experience in a variety of delivery methods to disseminate research-based information.
- Proficiency with word processing, data management, and statistical computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as document management software.
- Ability to work both independently and effectively with others in a team environment.
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
- Valid driver’s license (at least 2 years).
PREFERRED
- Experience with Cooperative Extension educational program development, delivery and evaluation.
- Demonstrated experience with community needs assessments.
- Experience in grant writing and the financial management of grant funds.
- Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights policies.
Applications must be submitted via https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/54666.
Application materials to be uploaded include:
- 1-page cover letter addressed to the NH Sea Grant Director targeted to the specific job requirements,
- Curriculum vitae (CV),
- 2-3 page Research & Extension Interests Statement
- Diversity Statement: A description of the applicant's approach to incorporating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA)
- Writing sample (preferably one with an outreach focus)
- Contact information for three (3) current professional references
- Include names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and relationship to applicant
- At least one reference should be a community or agency partner or other extension related reference
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
Search Timeline:
- Review of applications to begin: May 1, 2023
- Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: May 8, 2023
- On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: June 1, 2023
- Tentative start date: August 2023
Erik Chapman, Ph.D.
Director of NH Sea Grant
erik.chapman@unh.edu
