Program Manager, Gulf Oyster Breeding Center

Program Manager, Gulf Oyster Breeding Center

Program Manager, Gulf Oyster Breeding Center

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Program Manager, Gulf Oyster Breeding Center.

Location Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564
United States

Division Thad Cochran Marine Aquacultural Center

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Salary Range 77,590.

Pay Grade E15

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Program Manager will manage programs and research activities for the Gulf Oyster Breeding Center, a collaborative initiative with NOAA focused on advancing oyster aquaculture and restoration in the northern Gulf. This position will coordinate an oyster breeding program conducting stakeholder-informed research to support the oyster aquaculture industry in the Gulf of America by improving traits that enhance production, resilience, and climate readiness.

Responsibilities include planning and coordinating research activities, managing hatchery and growout operations related to the breeding program, overseeing data collection and archiving, assisting the principal investigator with reporting, producing and contributing to publications related to the program, acting as liaison with institutional, state, federal and industry partners, and producing guidance deliverables for scientific and industry audiences. The role also involves fostering partnerships, supporting technology transfer, and ensuring smooth operations across Center facilities and partner sites as needed.

The position is based at the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center in Ocean Springs, MS.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage programs and research activities at the Gulf Oyster Breeding Center, ensuring alignment with the Center’s strategic goals and NOAA initiatives.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships with state, federal, and private partners to guide Center priorities and inform research and technology transfer efforts.
• Develop and manage grant-funded research projects, including proposal development, budgeting, project planning, implementation, and reporting for both new and ongoing programs.
• Produce and disseminate research outputs, including scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, press articles, and digital content for scientific, industry, and public audiences.
• Conduct and oversee field research activities, including analyses of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic data using methods such as Genotyping by sequencing, RNA sequencing, DNA methylation analyses, and qPCR, along with downstream bioinformatic processing of obtained data.
• Oversee standard operating procedures development, implementation and management and archiving and sharing of data related to programs of the breeding center.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Aquaculture, Biology, Fisheries Biology, Biological Science, Genetics, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Ichthyology, or a related field and four (4) years’ experience in research or operations related to commercial aquaculture operations, scientific aquaculture programs, aquatic selective breeding programs, or shellfish or finfish genetics. A valid Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to plan, organize, and manage research projects, aquaculture operations, and program activities, including supervising personnel to achieve objectives.
• Ability to effectively communicate research results in written, oral, and visual formats.
• Experience consulting with state and federal agencies on research grants and achieving project objectives.
• Strong background in technical analyses and laboratory equipment relevant to aquaculture and genetics research.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, make decisions, and provide clear…