We are seeking one graduate student (PhD) to work in collaboration with academic and federal partners to bolster return for oyster hatcheries and farmers on the US Pacific Coast. The mentorship team includes the Gurr Lab (PI, Samuel Gurr; OSU) and the USDA Pacific Shellfish Research Unit (Drs. Louis Plough, Neil Thomspon, Bernarda Calla, and Brett Dumbauld), each host laboratories at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. Our goal is to provide meaningful augmentation of the existing breeding program (USDA Pacific Oyster Genomic Selection or POGS) to a depth of physiological and molecular mechanisms underpinning highest performance genotypes and their propensity to exhibit predictive economic traits, refining protocols for hatchery enhancement and increasing return for growers.
Goals include, but not limited to, the following:
1) investigate genotype-by-environment effects among high-performance families
2) establish dose–response relationships for early-life experience that confer enduring advantages and quantify the extent to which genotyped families exhibit gains
3) determine the distribution and intensity of Pacific oyster mortalities due to diseases and environmental stressors along the Pacific coast.
The student will design and execute experiments at Hatfield Marine Science Center where Gurr Lab and USDA host flow-through seawater systems, the Oregon Coastal Ocean Simulation Laboratory, a functional breeding center (POGS), raft repository, quarantine laboratories, etc. Field components are also expected and will require the candidate to travel to (at least) CA, WA, and AZ to collect data and assist hatchery technicians. Facilitated by mentorship of the academic advisor (PI Gurr), the student will be responsible for data management and analysis (open notebook and data repositories), biannual self-assessment and presentation of project progress and findings at industry-centered conferences, and submission of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
A general background in genomics, cellular biology, and bioenergetics is required. Candidates with prior benchwork, research, bioinformatics and coding, and/or commercial industry experience (oyster farm, hatchery, etc.) are preferred.
A preferred start date for Winter term 2027 advised by Dr. Samuel Gurr and co-advised by one or more members of the USDA ARS Pacific Shellfish Research Unit (Drs. Louis Plough, Neil Thomspon, Bernarda Calla, and Brett Dumbauld)
Gurr Lab website: gurr-lab.com
Required Qualifications:
– B.S. in biology, marine science, aquaculture, or related field
– GPA >3.0 (>3.5 preferred)
– Enthusiastic, motivated, and self-sufficient
– Strong verbal and written communication skills
– Experience in basic laboratory techniques, good organizational skills, and attention to detail
– Ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team
Preferred Qualifications:
– Experience in both sterile benchwork and wet lab environments for the handling and processing of biological samples
– Adept in following, troubleshooting, and writing iterative standard operating procedures for complex tasks
– Experience programming in R (data carpentry, statistics, visualization)
– Experience using version control systems for data management
– Background or interest in selective breeding, energetics, and evolutionary genetics
– Experience working in/or communicating with aquaculture industry
Start Date: Winter 2027
Application Deadline: open until filled
To Apply: Please send the following materials via email to Samuel Gurr (samuel.gurr@oregonstate.edu)
(1) Cover letter describing qualifications, career goals, and academic interests
(2) CV with contact information for three references
(3) unofficial transcript(s)
