Farming of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea [Magallana] gigas) is a rapidly growing industry in Alaska, however a lack of in-state oyster hatcheries may hamper both industry expansion and innovation on cultivating this species in sub-polar marine conditions. To fill this knowledge gap, the NOAA AFSC mariculture team within the Ecosystem Monitoring & Assessment (EMA) program is constructing a space for shellfish production, with a focus on Pacific oysters, at the Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute in Juneau, Alaska. Research in the hatchery focuses on innovative technology for solutions to oyster seed supply and growth issues that have delayed industry growth in Alaska, as well as site suitability and selective breeding through partnerships with USDA, private companies, and Alaska oyster growers. Funding for this position and the hatchery is provided by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council with current funding through FY2026.

The duties of the postdoc will be diverse and include hatchery development and maintenance, animal husbandry, field deployment of oysters, analysis and interpretation of morphometric and tissue chemistry data, and clear communication and coordination with project collaborators. There are additional opportunities for developing research projects, within project budget limitations.