Postdoctoral Associate - Aquaculture Nutrition & Insect Bioconversion

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The Aquaculture and Biotechnology Laboratory at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science (RSMAES) invites applications for a part-time Postdoctoral Researcher position. This position is funded by an awarded Florida Sea Grant project focused on the bioconversion of Sargassum biomass into sustainable aquaculture feed ingredients and organic fertilizer using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL). The appointment is for two years, contingent on satisfactory performance.

BSFL Rearing & Bioconversion Trials

• Design, execute, and manage controlled BSFL rearing experiments using Sargassum-based substrate blends at UM's Experimental BSFL System.
• Implement and evaluate arsenic mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and record substrate composition, larval growth, survival, biomass yield, feed conversion efficiency, and frass output.
• Coordinate mid-scale validation trials, simulating commercial production conditions.

Nutritional & Toxicological Analysis

• Conduct proximate composition analyses (crude protein, lipid, ash, moisture) and coordinate elemental analyses on BSFL biomass and frass.
• Coordinate arsenic speciation analyses (inorganic As(III)/As(V), MMA, DMA, arsenobetaine) with FIU collaborators using ICP-MS and HPLC-ICP-MS.
• Evaluate full nutritional profiles including amino acid and fatty acid composition of Sargassum-fed BSFL meal.
• Benchmark product safety and nutritional quality against AAFCO and FDA regulatory thresholds.

Aquaculture Feed Formulation & Feeding Trials

• Formulate experimental finfish diets incorporating regulatory-compliant Sargassum-derived BSFL meal at graded inclusion levels.
• Coordinate diet manufacturing with commercial feed partner.
• Design and execute controlled finfish feeding trials, collecting data on growth performance (SGR, DGC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and tissue accumulation of heavy metals.
• Conduct statistical analyses of feeding trial data; compare diet groups and assess regulatory compliance of fish tissue metal concentrations.

Frass Fertilizer & Environmental Assessment

• Design and execute greenhouse/field trials assessing BSFL frass as organic fertilizer: agronomic performance, soil nutrient dynamics, and heavy metal transfer risk.
• Conduct LCA and cost-benefit analysis comparing BSFL bioconversion against conventional Sargassum disposal methods (landfilling, composting).

Scientific Dissemination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Author and submit a minimum of two peer-reviewed manuscripts during the project period.
• Produce technical reports, regulatory-facing factsheets, and project deliverable documentation.
• Present findings at relevant scientific conferences.
• Engage with municipal stakeholders, coastal management agencies, and private sector partners through workshops, site visits, and public briefings.

• PhD in Aquaculture, Aquaculture Nutrition, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or a closely related field, awarded or expected by the start date.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience designing and executing BSFL rearing trials, including substrate formulation, growth monitoring, and biomass processing.
• Proven experience conducting controlled aquaculture feeding trials with finfish, including diet formulation, growth performance assessment (SGR, FCR), and statistical analysis.
• Working knowledge of proximate composition analysis, and familiarity with heavy metal analysis protocols or relevant analytical chemistry techniques.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent scientific writing; at least five (5) first-authored peer-reviewed publication in a relevant field.
• Experience with aquafeed ingredient evaluation and/or nutritional profiling of novel or alternative feed ingredients.

• Prior experience with Hermetia illucens (BSFL) bioconversion systems, including substrate manipulation and nutritional modulation of larval products.
• Familiarity with AAFCO/FDA regulatory frameworks for feed ingredients, or food safety assessment of insect-derived products.
• Experience with aquafeed formulation software and least-cost diet optimization.
• Proficiency in R, SAS, or equivalent for statistical analysis of biological data.
• Experience engaging commercial aquaculture operations, feed manufacturers, or regulatory bodies.
• Track record of presenting research at professional conferences.

CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Post Doctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Post Doctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
2. Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
3. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
4. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
5. Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
6. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Doctorate degree in relevant field required

Experience:
No previous experience required

Certification and Licensing:
Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

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Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff