Dear MARMAM group readers,

The Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab (AAVL), at the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, is currently looking for multiple new research staff positions/PhD/Postdoc fellow candidate to join our growing aquatic animal health assessment team.

The aquatic animal health assessment programme conducts research in Hong Kong and adjacent waters, as well as East Asian waters in collaboration with >10 partnered institutes, applying cutting-edge technologies such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, 3D surface scanning and unmanned aerial vehicle routinely, to assess the health of stranded and free-ranging aquatic animals like cetaceans and sea turtles. Using virtopsy techniques alongside conventional stranding investigation, our research focus is to investigate the biological profiles and diseases in aquatic animals, as well as to assess anthropogenic impacts on the survival and wellbeing of animals. Ultimately, we aim to enhance our understanding of aquatic animal health, providing sound scientific basis for effective conservation measures, and to guide policy and management decisions for the protection of the precious aquatic animals in Hong Kong and worldwide.

Duties

Assist in laboratory research works and handling research samples; assist in developing the tissue bank with the samples collected from stranded aquatic animals for postmortem examinations such as molecular and histopathological analyses; assist in the overall project logistics arrangements, virtopsy and conventional necropsy; support the logistic and record-keeping for the sea turtle stranding response programme; liaise and coordinate with other team members, departments and collaborators; collect, review and analyse data; support for science and management needs; assist in writing scientific manuscript and organising research activities; prepare and deliver presentations for stakeholder meetings, outreach activities, and biological opinions, and perform any other duties as assigned.

Requirements

A Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology/Veterinary/Biomedical Science or a related disciplines. Prior experience in marine conservation, aquatic animal stranding works and laboratory works (especially molecular phylogenetics) are advantages. Applicants should have the ability to do presentations for a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public; experience in publishing scientific research; ability to work in a diversified environment; ability to work independently in a mature manner and maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions; experience in handling animal carcasses comfortably; good record keeping, good time management and organisational skills; attention to details; willingness to learn and acquire new skills; ability to face the camera or in front of live audience(s) comfortably; ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and strict timelines are required. Good written and spoken English and Chinese (including Putonghua) would be an advantage. Occasional night duties or work on weekends/holidays may be required.

Salary and Conditions of Service

Salary (for research staff and postdoc fellow) offered will be highly competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience, with fringe benefits include leave, medical and dental consultations at the campus clinic.
Studentship (for PhD candidate) offered will be highly attractive - annual stipend of HK$228,000 (approximately US$29,230) for a period up to three years, and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,280) for each candidate.

Information and Application

Further information on AAVL and the University is available at https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/staff/prof-brian-kot-chin-wing and http://www.cityu.edu.hk respectively.

To apply, please submit application to Dr. Brian Kot directly for review, with cover letter and updated CV. Applications will receive full consideration until the position(s) is filled and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please share this info with any potential applicants and feel free to contact me at briankot@cityu.edu.hk with any questions.

Warm regards,

Brian Kot

Ph.D. in Diagnostic Imaging, B.Sc. (Hons) in Radiography, Cert. (RPC), CAS (Forensic Imaging & Virtopsy)

Assistant Professor

Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health

Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences

City University of Hong Kong

T: (852) 3442 7681
E: briankot@cityu.edu.hk

W: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/staff/dr-brian-kot-chin-wing

Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab

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