Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry

Position Information Job Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry Appointment Type Full-Time Temporary Position Dates August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2026 Hours per week/FTE 35 About the Position The Aquaculture Centre of Excellence group, led by Senior Scientist Dr. Nick Savidov, engages in research designed to reduce the footprint of food production and the integration of sustainable practices in food production systems. Our current projects include: 1. mass balance study identifying the nutrient distribution in aquaponics when utilizing a fish diet that supplements plant protein meal in exchange for fish meal. 2. The evaluation of supplemental light types on vine crop production in commercial controlled environment agriculture. PROJECT: Using mass balance, identifying the nutrient distribution in aquaponics when utilizing a plant-based protein supplemented fish diet. Job description: The postdoctoral researcher will conduct and lead mass balance studies related to the supplementation of plant-based proteins in fish diets under aquaponics growing conditions. The researcher will be part of a larger research team at Aquaculture Centre of Excellence. The experiments will utilize unique, automated micro-aquaponics systems. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to be proficient in the lab utilizing analytical equipment, such as ICP, and Automated Photometric Analyzer. Duties include experimental design, including prepping the micro-aquaponic systems for mass-balance analysis, method development (molecular biology, bio-chemistry, LCMS, HPLC, ICP, Automated Photometric Analyzer), data collection, and data interpretation and presentation. The postdoctoral researcher will be working independently and in the team under the supervision of the senior scientist (Dr. Nick Savidov) and collaborating with colleagues from the group as well as other research groups. The postdoc will be responsible for day-­to-day management of the project including experimental planning and execution, data collection and analysis, discussion and presentations in various meetings (lab meetings, conferences, workshops, etc.), report/publication writing, and related duties. The position holder is also expected to supervise, train, and advise students and other junior lab members, as well as deliver project update reports. The post holder will be advised by the principal investigator, Dr. Nick Savidov, in regular one-on-one meetings and relevant discussion channels. Position Details Planning and performing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, troubleshooting, and planning further works: 70% Preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication, presentations to internal as well as national and international audiences; 20% Undertaking training: 5% Training junior lab members, discussing/advising colleagues: 5% Required Qualifications Education: PhD (fully awarded or near completion) in one of the following disciplines: biochemistry, chemistry, plant biology, and microbiology. Essential skills: Knowledge in chemistry and plant biochemistry Expertise in biochemistry and analytical chemistry LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP skills Good basic bioinformatic and general computer skills, and proven ability to learn and apply new skills Excellent understanding of plant metabolism Proven ability to carry out innovative research with publishable, outcomes Evidence of intellectual independence, rigor and creativity Relevant first-author publications in high-caliber peer-reviewed journals Excellent organization and record keeping skills Good communicative, collaborative, and interpersonal skills: Oral presentation experience to academic audiences at national and international meetings Good team working skills with proven ability to collaborate with internal and external colleagues with publishable outcomes Ability to train colleagues and students for laboratory and other research skills