Colabora en la creación de estándares de sanidad animal en acuicultura (50-60K Euros)

 ASC are seeking a passionate animal health & welfare expert focused on improving Aquaculture standards!

Fish Health & Welfare - Standards Coordinator

Remote role based in UK / Netherlands / Europe. However, candidates from ASC payrolled countries may also be considered.

Circa 50,000 to 60,000 Euros p/a varying based on location/region, experience, and skills. Plus enhanced benefits such as Pension & life assurance (dependant on regional offerings), 25+ days holiday per year, well-being & workstation grants, paid time off to volunteer for other NFP organisations and a free coffee on us every week!

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) https://asc-aqua.org/ is driving the world’s leading certification programme for responsibly farmed seafood.

The role:

We are looking for a proactive Health & Welfare Standards Coordinator who would like to join our global Standards & Science team to support growth across our ASC standards of certification and further promote and develop a wide range of Aqua Health and Welfare topics.

You would directly support the ASC Health & Welfare Standards Manager (and surrounding teams) to centrally facilitate technical working groups focused on all topics related to fish health and welfare across the aquaculture space.

• Can you lead and engage various stakeholders to interpret scientific data and analyse this in detail to suggest improvements for future revision of our standards?
• Are you passionate about driving improvements and better understanding of best practice Aqua Health & Welfare concepts and principles across the seafood Industry?
• Can you pro-actively link these principles to develop guidance that supports our ASC Farm Standard so requirements are clear and demonstrate the value they bring?
• Do you have experience working with and supporting Aqua farms and producers to foster a culture of continuous learning on health and welfare topics?
• Want to work for an organisation that is at the forefront of Setting the Standard for Seafood, globally?

Then this may be the role for you!

Person Profile:

We need someone with strong moderation and professional influencing skills to lead stakeholder engagement as well as managing differing opinions within working groups. You will need to effectively lead lively discussions and provide expert guidance to improve fish health and welfare to various stakeholders, boosting our ASC certification standards worldwide!

Critical thinking is a must.. to be able to centrally interpret and present feedback, data & research to translate complex technical topics into practice. For example, the feasibility of farm level applications and risks of implementation of fish health and welfare improvements (best responsible practices for daily operations at Aqua farm, handling, slaughter and use of therapeutants).

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Relevant education in the context of veterinary medicine and/or animal welfare & health (fish and crustaceans related would be an advantage)
• Conversational leadership, development and management of topic discussions across various settings i.e. briefings, working groups, projects, reports, presentations etc.
• Scientific influencing skills to enhance complex technical fish health & welfare topics
• Strong adaptability and engagement to various stakeholders, internally and externally i.e. producers, farms, NGOs (environmental and social), retailers, scientific researchers and other invested parties.

Working on your own initiative, you should have good understanding of health & welfare issues and their impact on making the aquaculture sector more responsible. Ideally you will enjoy developing technical metrics, guidance, papers and reports for the development of Health and Welfare research and standards.

To Apply:

Apply to this advert with your CV and Cover letter application, in English. Your application will be considered and we will make a shortlist of candidates to invite to interview. Sometimes you may be asked to prepare additional written materials, past work examples and a presentation. Interviews will generally be held remotely via Teams.

Want to know more? Find out about joining our growing global team who are Setting The Standard for Seafood at our careers page: https://asc-aqua.org/about-asc/careers/

ASC take data protection seriously. We will only use any personal information in connection with your application for this position. If your application is unsuccessful, we will keep your personal information for 6 months. For more information, please read our privacy policy which can be found here: https://www.asc-aqua.org/privacy/

We want to be a fully inclusive and diverse employer of choice, reflecting the global community and therefore particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

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¿Tienes experiencia o formación en acuicultura y/o genética? Trabaja en el programa de cría de una empresa acuícola puntera en Escocia

Oferta compartida por Nuria

Xelect is one of the largest aquaculture genetics companies, providing broodstock management and genetic improvement programmes for some of the best known producers globally. We support around 30 breeding programmes, in 12 different countries for 13 different species, including finfish, shrimp and bivalves. We provide our customers with a full range of genetic services and technologies, ranging from strategic consultancy for government agencies to full genomic selection programmes for some of the biggest producers in the industry. Our Breeding Programme Managers are the front line of everything we do at Xelect. With an expert team of biologists, geneticists, laboratory staff and bioinformaticians behind you, you will lead the genetics programmes for our customers, working directly with them to design, implement and develop their broodstock programme.

Our sector and company is growing fast, as we take on new customers all around the world, developing selective breeding programmes for new and established species, using the latest technologies. For our customers, working with you will be like having access to their own in-house genetics team, and you will work closely with them to design, deliver and optimize their selective breeding programmes.

The life of a Programme Manager 

The role is extremely varied, challenging and rewarding. Key aspects of the role include: 

•  Design, co-ordinate and implement new genetics programmes that deliver significant commercial returns for our customers' businesses. 
•  Regularly visit our customers, developing strong personal relationships and getting a deep understanding of their production conditions and commercial goals. 
• Manage the day-to-day running of our programmes, co-ordinating the necessary internal resources and acting as a virtual member of our customers' teams. Handle large datasets and work with our in-house customer databases. 
• Perform and deliver the necessary phenotyping and selective breeding analyses using our in-house selection and simulation software. 
• Liaise with our in-house specialist genetics laboratory to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget and to optimise the genetic tools required for your programmes. 
•  Provide hands on consultancy and support to our customers at key times in their breeding programme.

You'll be backed by a highly qualified multidisciplinary technical team of aquaculture experts, quantitative geneticists, bioinformaticians, software developers, molecular biologists and a strong commercial team. Our headquarters are in the medieval university town of St Andrews on the East coast of Scotland. We have a modern office building and a dedicated laboratory with three Illumina DNA sequencing machines. We have developed industry-leading genetic and bioinformatic pipelines including advanced mate selection software and new technologies for genomic selection. We work closely with several leading academic institutions, including the world-leading Roslin Institute.

As you would expect from a company that was initially a spinoff from the prestigious University of St Andrews, we set a very high bar for the scientific rigour of our work. We are continually working to advance the boundaries of our sector, and frequently participate in multi-national research programmes in aquaculture genetics and breeding. We retain active links with many leading scientific and academic institutions. We are committed to supporting your development including attendance to key networking events such as trade shows, online webinars and conferences As a recent example, Xelect was the lead industry partner on AQUA-FAANG, a 4 year EU funded programme to generate genome wide functional maps for the six most commercially valuable species in European Aquaculture. Xelect provided genetic consultancy, developing genetic tools for the project and also contributing research outputs, including a major white paper. Our largest shareholder, Genus PLC, is a world leader in the field of pig and bovine genetics, and we enjoy extensive scientific and technical collaboration with them on R&D projects.

Your skillsets
Our programme managers are highly experienced, adaptable individuals, who can develop and manage advanced breeding programmes, work well under pressure and have fantastic communications skills. Your skills and qualifications will include:

• A minimum of a MSc relating to aquaculture, quantitative genetics, finfish/shellfish reproduction or animal breeding
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Knowledge and experience of hatchery and broodstock management, including aquaculture operations more widely for finfish and / or shellfish species
• A practical understanding of the application of genetics within selective breeding
• Excellent data management and computer literacy skills
• High levels of motivation and a collaborative mindset, with a desire to constantly improve our service
• Willingness to travel to other countries and experience new cultures
• Knowledge of statistics and programming platforms.

Additional desirable skills include:

• Proficiency with programming platforms such R or Linux
• A PhD relating to aquaculture, fish reproduction or animal breeding
• Advanced statistical skills including multivariate analysis
• Proficiency in other languages
• Peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.

Working at Xelect

The culture at Xelect is vibrant, welcoming, challenging and rewarding. When you join Xelect you're joining the forefront of genetics in aquaculture. We're a fast growing, entrepreneurial and pioneering team of scientists and commercial professionals. Our base, Horizon House, is home to a smart, proactive and international team of experts from a range of backgrounds, where every single person has the opportunity to make a difference. We offer a 'hybrid' working pattern, combining office days and working from home. Our environment is extremely inclusive. The role has a competitive salary, a workplace pension scheme and will be based in St Andrews, Scotland.

Our values

• Excellence: We believe in what we're doing, and we're committed to doing it well. We aim to set the standards for our industry, rather than meet them.
• Curiosity: We share what we're doing, welcome input from others and are always thinking about creative, cost effective and commercially relevant solutions for our customers.
• Teamwork: Xelect is one team, we tackle challenges together, celebrate success together and look out for one another as people.
• Integrity: Our customers trust us to always put their best interests at heart. We take that responsibility seriously and commit to always conducting ourselves ethically.

Want to find out more?
To apply please send a current CV and a covering letter to hello@xelect.co.uk, along with contact details of two referees. References will only be contacted after a successful interview. If you would like
to make any enquiries about the role please email hello@xelect.co.uk. We are happy to arrange a confidential conversation with one of our existing Programme Managers if you would like to discuss the role informally.

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Trabaja como Project Manager en una empresa dedicada a la acuicultura (Escocia)

Oferta compartida por Nuria

Xelect is a leading aquaculture genetics services provider, based in St Andrews, Scotland. After a sustained period of rapid growth we are looking to recruit an additional Project Manager to join our growing team of aquaculture breeding programme managers. Our Breeding Programme Project Managers are experienced aquaculture professionals who are responsible for developing, and managing genetics-backed breeding programmes and carrying out consultancy for our global portfolio of customers.

With the support of our highly experienced laboratory, bioinformatics and genetics teams you will:

• Co-ordinate the design of new programmes and communicate them to our customers
• Manage the day-to-day running of our programmes, co-ordinating our internal resources whilst acting as a virtual member of our customers' team
• Ensure that programmes are well managed, run efficiently and are delivered on budget and on time
• Prepare annual reports and other briefings for customers, demonstrating performance against their commercial objectives
• Proactively identify opportunities for improving our service and efficiency
• Travel to support our customers on site at key times, providing practical support to implement their breeding programme
• Report to the Head of Project Management

Essential skills:

• A minimum of a MSc relating to aquaculture, quantitative genetics, fish reproduction or animal breeding
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Knowledge and experience of hatchery and broodstock management, including aquaculture operations more widely for finfish and / or shellfish species
• Experience working within the aquaculture industry
• Excellent data management and computer literacy skills
• Willing to travel and experience working in other countries
• Basic knowledge of statistics and programming platforms.

Desirable skills:

• PhD relating to aquaculture, fish reproduction or animal breeding
• Proficiency with programming platforms R and / or Linux
• Advanced statistical skills including multivariate analysis
• Proficiency in other languages
• Peer reviewed publications in the field of aquaculture, reproduction or genetics.

Salary and Location:
Salary 36,000 - 47,000 per year. We currently operate a hybrid working pattern, combining office days and working from home. The position will be based in St Andrews, Scotland.

About Xelect:
Xelect is a leading aquaculture genetics service provider with a global portfolio of clients, including some of the biggest names in the industry. We employ a team of 17 staff, including a multidisciplinary
technical team with 13 PhDs in aquaculture, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, molecular biology and physiology. There are three business streams: breeding programme management, BioAudit & due diligence services and laboratory services. The business has its headquarters in the medieval university town of St Andrews on the East coast of Scotland some 80 km from Edinburgh airport. The company occupies modern office and laboratory facilities with 2 Illumina DNA sequencing machines. Breeding programme management is the largest business segment contributing 80% of revenues from customers in 20 countries dealing with 19 species of fish, shrimp and oysters.

The company has developed sophisticated industry-leading genetic and bioinformatic analysis pipelines including advanced mate selection software. The breeding service involves strategic partnerships
with customers on rolling long-term contracts with a high level of project management support delivered from the UK and through customer visits. Revenues are in access of aroun 2million/year and are growing at around 30% per annum. The company is profitable with good levels of cash flow. The shareholders in decreasing order of holding are Genus plc, Prof. Ian Johnston FRSE (current CEO and co-founder), the University of St Andrews, Dr Tom Ashton (Operations Director and co-founder) and the EOS Technology Investment Syndicate.

Further information:
To apply please send a current CV and a covering letter to hello@xelect.co.uk, along with contact details of two referees. References will only be contacted after a successful interview. If you would like to make any enquiries about the role please email hello@xelect.co.uk. Closing date 9th June.

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¿Estás buscando un tema de doctorado y te interesan la pesca y/o acuacultura? Echa un vistazo a estas tres posiciones

Oferta compartida por Nuria


Three PhD projects currently open for applications at ATU Galway.

• Investigating the epidemiology of complex gill disease in Irish Atlantic salmon
• Molecular analysis of host-parasite interaction in gill disease of Atlantic salmon

These two positions arise for the recruitment of suitably qualified and strongly motivated graduate to undertake a PhD in ATU as part of a 5-year large scale interdisciplinary research project: “GIDAS - Gill Disease of Atlantic Salmon”. 

Aquaculture provides an important food source worldwide and increasingly contributes to the global economy, as well as national research priorities. Complex gill disease (CGD) is a major challenge in finfish aquaculture, leading to substantial reductions in production annually. Treatment using freshwater baths only provides a temporary solution and a better understanding of CGD is needed. CGD involves a range of organisms including parasites, bacteria and viruses, and can be influenced by production practices, such as net washing. Due to this complexity, CGD remains a major obstacle to successful aquaculture production and requires further research. Furthermore, gill-associated diseases in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) lead to considerable annual losses the Irish aquaculture sector. The overall aim of the GIDAS project is to increase knowledge of CGD, including one of the leading pathogens involved, Neoparamoeba perurans, which itself leads to amoebic gill disease but is also a key player in CGD. Key objectives include: reviewing the current epidemiology of CGD in Ireland; testing a CGD model; identifying potential biomarkers and developing preventative and curative measures to minimise disease occurrence. Led by ATU, the project’s consortium includes University College Dublin and a diverse team of collaborators from academia and industry to support the project’s main aim and objectives.

• Assessment of the Kudoa sp. parasite in Atlantic mackerel

 An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and strongly motivated graduate to undertake a PhD as part of a collaboration between the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) at ATU’s Galway City Campus, BIM, the Marine Institute. Northeast Atlantic (NEA) mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is Ireland’s most valuable commercial fish species, with €73m worth of fish landed by Irish vessels in 2021 and exports valued at €109m in 2021. In recent years Irish pelagic processors have noted an increase in the occurrence of ‘jelly flesh’, most likely due to infection with the myxosporean parasite Kudoa sp. (Kudoidae). Increasing infection rates in more northern waters may be linked to a change in the distribution of the mackerel stock, changes in stock size or in size at age (Giulietti et al. 2022, Højgaard et al. 2022). Although not harmful to humans, heavy infection with the Kudoa sp. parasite can destroy the fillet and renders it commercially unusable. A PCR test has been developed that detects Kudoa sp. infection, even in fish without symptoms (Funk et al. 2007); this may have wider applications for the seafood processing sector in the future. The aim of this PhD research programme is to characterise Kudoa sp. infection in the Irish mackerel fishery using molecular and histological techniques, to identify biological and environmental factors associated with infection and to develop tools for mitigating the impacts on commercial fishing and processing operations. 

For specific details on deadlines, requirements and application, visit the links above.

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