Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hard Clam Research and Breeding Program Leader

Job Details

This position will work with the hard clam aquaculture industry to address challenges associated with shellfish culture. Responsibilities will include management of a breeding program for hard clams, and independent research evaluating the environmental stressors influencing shellfish aquaculture in the Cedar Key, FL region. The position will work closely with shellfish farmers, the IFAS Shellfish Extension program, private hatcheries, and a private company to develop a breeding program. The successful candidate will also develop their own research priorities working with industry, including applying for extramural funding.

This position will manage a clam breeding program and conduct active research addressing stressors influencing hard clam growth and survival. The person is expected to work closely with clam farmers to evaluate factors contributing to growth and survival. Expected research topics addressed should include: 1) manage a selective breeding program working in concert with clam farmers and a private company conducting the genetic analyses 2) explore culture methodologies that can mitigate shellfish mortality, working in collaboration with shellfish farmers.

Marginal functions of the job include some public outreach via social media and press releases about research updates, participation in professional organizations addressing shellfish aquaculture including presentations at conferences, and communication directly with industry on research results and implications for shellfish aquaculture methodology.

This position will be co-supervised by the Director of the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, and the Associate Director of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.
 

Requirements

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in biology, ecology, genetics, or physiology with experience in working with shellfish is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred

Research experience in shellfish ecology/physiology and/or aquaculture, understanding of genetic methods, and experience with field-based research experiments preferred.

Contact Information

Applications close: 18 Sep 2026

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