DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences

REPORTS TO: Chair of School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:   Full-time Faculty 12 Months Tenure Track                                                  

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt 

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.                         

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:  The School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track position titled Assistant Professor of Aquaculture Technology and Management. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with 75% research and 25% teaching responsibilities. The primary mission of the School of Aquaculture is to integrate research, teaching, and extension functions to enhance aquaculture development in Kentucky, the U.S., and the World. This position will support stakeholders who include small-scale and minority farmers and urban farmers in Kentucky. The candidate will report to the Chair of the School of Aquaculture.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Assistant Professor of Aquaculture Technology and Management is a tenure track position at Kentucky State University in the College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences within the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences. This Ph.D. level position will lead research projects in the field of aquaculture technology. The successful candidate will assist in teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This position will support stakeholders who include small-scale and minority farmers and urban farmers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Develop a nationally recognized research program focusing on aquaculture technology and management that will support stakeholders who include small-scale and minority farmers and urban farmers in Kentucky.
2. Develop and teach courses in aquaculture production methods, principles of aquaculture, and other areas as deemed appropriate by the School 
3. Work closely with other KSU Aquaculture researchers and extension personnel to explore applications of technology relevant to aquaculture production and management  
4. Advise undergraduate students in the aquaculture option
5. Mentor graduate students to develop and conduct research projects resulting in professional presentations, written theses, and manuscripts  
6. Review up-to-date scientific literature extracting information relevant to ongoing, proposed, or possible research projects  
7. Develop grant proposals and compete for grant funding to support an active research, extension, and teaching program
8. Develop and maintain project budgets and submit written progress reports  
9. Analyze experimental data, prepare graphics and text for presentation and publication  
10. Disseminate results through publication of refereed journal articles and professional presentations   
11. Engage and work closely with key personnel in industry 
12. Collaborate with colleagues at 1890 institutions, other land grant and non-land grant institutions, USDA and state agencies, and other professionals to enhance the quality of research.
13. Other duties as required

OTHER DUTIES:  The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in Aquaculture or Engineering or related area from an accredited college or university is required at the time of appointment. The applicant should have documented experience in research, and/or outreach related to aquaculture. Teaching experience is recommended.  Documented evidence of individual and collaborative research and an ability to develop grants is needed. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to interact with diverse audiences are required. 
 

Licensing and Certifications   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Experience with existing aquaculture production systems and associated technology
• Ability to adapt novel technologies to aquaculture production systems 
• Knowledge of scientific literature search processes and procedures 
• Knowledge of research techniques, methods and procedures
• Knowledge of data interpretation and analytical methods and techniques 
• Knowledge of industry and government standards regarding laboratory techniques and safe handling of hazardous materials
• Knowledge of data presentation and organization methods and techniques 
• Ability to interpret and analyze experimental data accurately 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 
• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records 
• Ability to understand highly technical data 
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment 
• Ability to properly design and perform experiments 
• Ability to work within the guidelines of specific projects to gather and interpret experimental data
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines with colleagues

OPTIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply knowledge of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, machine learning, robotics, or use of sensors and control systems to enhance aquaculture management 
• Ability to employ remote monitoring equipment and emergency alert systems
• Ability to develop and implement computer code for the advancement of aquaculture 
• Understanding of aquaculture engineering concepts
• History of successful grant writing
• Ability to speak Spanish 

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL EFFORT: 

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment
• Occasionally requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds
• Work environment involves some exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold conditions, hazards or physical risks, which require some basic safety precautions

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.