Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Company

University of Stirling

Job description

The Institute of Aquaculture (IoA), Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position aimed at validating operational indicators of consciousness in tropical prawns (Penaeus vannamei). This research is part of a wider research project entitled ‘Optimisation and validation of successful stunning practices for tropical prawns (Penaeus vannamei) in commercial farms’ funded by Open Philanthropy.The farming of decapod crustaceans is a key economic driver in many countries, with production reaching around 9.4 million tonnes (USD 69.3 billion) in 2018. These efforts are currently dominated by the farming of Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, which translates into approximately 167 billion farmed P. vannamei being harvested annually. From a welfare perspective, increasing attention is being paid to decapod crustaceans, which include tropical prawns, lobsters and prawns. While legislation exist for their humane slaughter in several countries our knowledge on the efficacy of stunning protocols prior to dispatching is limited. In this project, we aim at comparing cold shock (widespread commercial practice) against electrical shock as stunning methods in tropical prawn farms located in Central America and Southeast Asia. The project will achieve this by performing a welfare mapping from harvest to slaughter and by measuring a series of operational welfare indicators and animal-based measures associated with distress and poor welfare. More specifically the project objectives are:Objectives

• To assess the effectiveness of in-water and dry-electrical stunning against current in-situ farming practices (cold shock via slurry ice) from an animal welfare perspective in selected commercial farms
• To map out and quantify welfare challenges in Penaeus vannamei from harvest to slaughter in selected commercial farms upon application of electrical stunning against current in-situ farming practices and measure and identify the most reliable operational welfare indicators (OWIs) during the processes of harvest-stunning-slaughter that can be used commercially
• To analyse product quality after electrical stunning and compare with current industry stunning practices
• To formulate a cost benefit analysis that considers animal welfare, product quality and any commercial risks associated with the implementation of electrical stunning

This project brings together a unique consortium of researchers and stakeholders aimed at improving decapod welfare. The post-doctoral research associate will be working with Prof Amaya Albalat (https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/256698) a principal investigator of the project and Prof Sonia Rey Planellas (https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/257368) as co-researcher. This is a unique opportunity to work with a leading institution on Aquaculture and researchers related to decapod physiology, behaviour and welfare.You can contact Prof Albalat for more detailed information, by email or by phone: +44 (0) 1786 467917Description of DutiesThe successful applicant will be expected to travel and conduct a series of trials on selected farms located in Central America and SE Asia and to take an active role in experiments on live prawns at the University of Stirling following local Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body regulations. This will involve:

• Travel to commercial facilities that are in Central America and Southeast Asia
• Conduct trials in commercial facilities
• Work in aquarium facilities at the University of Stirling
• Work with live and dead prawns in commercial and laboratory facilities
• Maintain and use a system to record neurological activity (like EEG in vertebrates)
• Perform some basic laboratory methods to analyse quality and stress related metabolites
• Analyse data collected in both farm and laboratory-based trials
• Contribute to publications and presentations

Essential CriteriaQualificationsPhD in an appropriate discipline, which can include decapod physiology/biology or animal welfareKnowledge, Skills & Experience

• Working with aquatic animal species
• Knowledge in stress physiology
• Ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media.
• Developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals
• Competent IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
• Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
• Ability to travel internationally

Desirable CriteriaKnowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience in working with decapod species
• Experience in working with electrical stunning systems
• Experience in performing and analysing behavioural data
• A track record of successful peer review publication
• Previous experience in working with commercial partners
• A full driving licence

Behaviours and CompetenciesThe role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

• Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly. * Delivering excellent serviceProviding the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

• Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation. * Embracing changeBeing open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles. * Using resources effectivelyIdentifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. * Engaging with the wider contextEnhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values. * Developing self and othersShowing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential. * Working togetherWorking collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. * Achieving ResultsConsistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.About UsFaculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. Results of REF2021 confirmed that 80% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Recent success in the 2018 City deal is leading to a substantial investment in new infrastructure linked to the Faculty including a £17 million investment for a new Institute of Aquaculture and Global Aquatic Food Security facility and a £5 million investment for Scotland’s International Environment CentreInstitute of AquacultureEstablished in 1971, the Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) is the leading international centre in its field and the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute of Aquaculture has research and teaching facilities on campus including temperate and tropical aquaria. Off campus, at Buckieburn, the IoA has its freshwater research facility and, at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula, its marine research facility. The entire Institute brings together cross-disciplinary, world class researchers in breeding and physiology, genomics and selection, nutrition, emerging aquatic diseases, immunology, parasitology, welfare and behaviour, environmental management, society and technology, and policy and governance our research and training focuses on critical questions relating to strategies for sustainable aquacultureThe UniversityThe University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
@stiruni

Expected salary

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 22:42:44 GMT

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