The Huntsman Marine Science Centre, in collaboration with Mowi Canada East and Mowi Genetics with funding from Genome Canada, is immediately seeking a highly motivated, dynamic individual who works well both individually and with a team to fill a Post-Doctoral Fellow position focused on genomics for harvest evaluation traits in Atlantic salmon.
The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of research ability, has data interpretation and analysis capabilities with both genomic datasets and phenotypic multigenerational pedigree based datasets, and strong writing skills with demonstrated track record for producing high quality peer-reviewed publications. The successful candidate will have an office at the Huntsman Marine facilities located in picturesque St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada https://www.townofsaintandrews.ca/visitors/.
Specifics associated with the Post-Doctoral Fellow position include:
- Genomic data analysis linked to generational family data associated with an extensive list of phenotypic traits measured from more than 8 harvest evaluations (e.g., description of comprehensive dataset collected from a single harvest evaluation provided in: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2019.01.001.
- Candidate should have a specific interest in data analysis associated with some or all of the following constellations of traits:
- Carcass traits associated with growth and early sexual maturation
- Fillet color as measured using a Minolta Chroma Meter (CR-410, C illuminate) (quantifying lightness (L\*), red-green chromaticity (a\*) and yellow-blue chromaticity (b\*)) and SalmoFan™ Lineal
- Series of quality traits associated with melanin discoloration (Melanin, black spots), gaping (Gpg, tears between muscle layers), marbling (Mrb, color variation across the fillet), and sea lice damage
- Subset of fillets with a comprehensive analysis for compositional traits (e.g., moisture, fat and protein content), textural traits (e.g., hardness, adhesiveness and cohesiveness) and 35 fatty acids
- Timing of harvest from within a sea cage population of Atlantic salmon
- Lead production of resulting publications within peer-reviewed journals and other scholarly outputs to a high standard.
- Involved in discussions with research leads at Huntsman Marine and Mowi related to use of genomics to advance the population through selective breeding.
- Estimate heritabilities and genetic & phenotypic correlations between traits as this relates to publications and selection.
- Opportunities will be available to participate in other challenges, assessments and spawning activities based on the interest expressed by the Post-Doctoral Fellow.
Qualifications and skills:
- A Ph.D. with research topic(s) focused on improvement of production trait(s) through selective breeding. The successful individual does not need to have aquatic species experience.
- Ability to understand and analyze phenotypic and genomic datasets. While genomic pipeline development knowledge may be useful, this will not be essential as data will be provided using an existing developed pipeline.
- Solid statistical analysis capabilities using pertinent statistical analysis software.
- Proven track record for strong written and verbal communication skills in English through preparation of manuscripts for submission to the peer-reviewed primary literature and presentations at international conferences.
- Broad interest in traits of potential and existing importance in an Atlantic salmon breeding program – potential change over generations and/or correlations within generations (e.g., combining genomic data from a trait present within multiple challenges over multiple year classes to determine QTLs or significance using GWAS).
Applications will be accepted immediately until the position is filled. This position will be offered on a fixed term basis through to March 31, 2026 based on availability of funding within a Genome Canada GAPP funded project https://genomeatlantic.ca/new-research-approved-for-atlantic-salmon-aquaculture-and-forestry/.
Send single electronic submission with cover letter, CV and three references (including e-mail and telephone number) to:
HR Office
Huntsman Marine Science Centre
1 Lower Campus Road
St. Andrews, NB
E5B 2L7
Email: [email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants should indicate current citizenship status. Although Canadians and permanent residents to Canada will be given priority, all qualified candidates will be given full consideration.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
Work Location: In person
