Position: Research Support (Research Associate) #0080816T

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agricutural and Human Resources (Tropical Plant and soil Sciences), University of Hawaiʻi

To begin approximately January 2018. Renewal dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs complex scientific work of considerable difficulty on Coffee Berry Borer research. Troubleshoots technical problems with field & laboratory procedures. Leads staff by designing and prioritizing experiments to solve complex research objectives. Adapts, modifies, or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.
2. Establishes and monitors laboratory and field experiments, collects data and conducts tests in accordance with established experimental protocols.
3. Maintains and optimizes colonies of Coffee Berry Borer.
4. Rears and maintains multiple populations of insects.
5. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data with complex computer based programs.
6. Prepares a variety of insect diets and culture media.
7. Records coffee production data in experimental fields, including delivery of coffee (50lb bags) to processors.
8. Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
9. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records of research data. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources.
10. Trains student assistants, faculty, and research staff in the correct and specialized procedures in the use of instruments and data interpretation.
11. Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Entomology or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for conducting experiments related to coffee berry borer and coffee production; or equivalent education/training or experience.
2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the field of entomology as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with scientific research.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
8. For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
9. Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
10. Ability to follow detailed research protocols.
11. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawai‘i Driver’s License (class 3), comparable driver’s license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.
12. Ability to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Work experience with and knowledge of Coffee Berry Borer, including monitoring, dissection, life cycle, predators and parasitoids of CBB.
2. Direct work experience with coffee production and processing equipment.
3. Experience in experimental design and data collection.
4. Ability to use statistical analysis software to analyze data and create graphs.

To Apply

Please visit http://workatuh.hawaii.edu/Jobs/NAdvert/27896/4607413/1/postdate/desc. Submit the following to the address listed below: 1) Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, 2) Form 64B, 3) resume, 4 ) names and contact information for at least three professional references and 5) official transcripts (copies accepted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire). Failure to submit all required documents shall deem an application to be incomplete. Incomplete or late applications (postmarked or emailed after closing date) will not be considered.