Project Scientist Description

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with its automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

Major Responsibilities

Research (75%)

1.1 Research activity (45%): Conduct, mentor and make creative contributions to research activities related to aquaculture, aquacultural engineering, and/or conservation of endangered species. Undertake research projects in collaboration with academic colleagues and government collaborators to understand fish activities, optimize fish culture operations, and prepare fish for reintroduction. Make suggestions to vivarium to improve the survival of fish and other cultivated species. Develop standard procedures to propagate fish and potentially prepare them for having better survival in the wild. Make creative projects related to the research and development of hatchery operation and habitat restoration. Quantify the activities of fish and optimize the procedure of fish culture. Mentor undergraduate, graduate students, and Jr. specialists in the lab in designing experiments, conducting research, interpreting results and achieving academic and research goals.

1.2 Publication (25%): Write research reports as required by the sponsors of research projects. Write and prepare periodical research reports related to progress of research projects. Prepare presentations and data sheets and fact sheets to disseminate new information to professional societies and conferences. Prepare original research articles to be published and cited in internationally recognized and peer-reviewed journals.

1.3 Grant Acquisition (5%): Prepare research proposals to seek funding support from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. Assist PIs to manage research grants to meet the administrative requirements of research sponsors and university. Interact with funding agencies and prepare any changes or modifications of research budgets and other grant components as needed. Oversee research activities and prepare progress and final reports to be provided to funding agencies.

Professional Competence and Activity (10%)

Participate in professional meetings and conferences such as Interagency Ecological Program Annual Workshop and American Fisheries Society Meetings to disseminate the new knowledge and information. Increase awareness of the progress of endangered fish species conservation and aquaculture and research technology through presenting results in oral presentations. Document new findings in research papers, project reports, fact sheets, websites and IEP newsletters. Serve as reviewer for research proposals and scientific publications specialized in fish behavior, aquaculture, and other related fields.

University and Public Service (15%)

Engage in public outreach activities to disseminate the fish conservation progress and research results. Lead tours to the Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory (FCCL) when needed. Provide service as the safety coordinator of a university-operated conservation hatchery (Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory). Popularize and create awareness of the work conducted at the FCCL. Serve on committees in the department to provide service to the university and public when needed.

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