Aquaculture Systems and Seed Development Specialist

Job Title:Aquaculture Systems and Seed Development Specialist Location:Patna, BiharAbout Palladium: Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives.Project Overview: This role is part of a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at strengthening aquaculture production systems in 15 districts of Bihar in close coordination with AFRD Govt of Bihar and JEEVika. The project focuses on sustainable intensification, hatchery and seed systems improvement, capacity building, private sector participation and enhancing the resilience and productivity of smallholder aquaculture farmers in Bihar.Position Summary: The Aquaculture Systems and Seed Development Specialist will play a key technical role in the design, implementation, and optimization of aquaculture production systems and seed (hatchery and nursery) supply chains. The specialist will work with a range of stakeholders including hatchery operators, farmers, researchers, and government bodies to improve the availability, quality, and performance of seed and farming systems across the project regions.Key Responsibilities: • Assess existing aquaculture production systems and seed supply networks within the target regions. • Design and implement best practices for hatchery management, broodstock development, and seed quality control. • Develop and disseminate improved hatchery and nursery protocols for key aquaculture species (e.g., carp, tilapia, catfish, shrimp). Advise on appropriate system designs (e.g., pond, RAS, biofloc) based on ecological and economic feasibility. • Support pilot-scale demonstrations of improved aquaculture systems and seed distribution models. • Coordinate training programs for hatchery managers, seed producers, extension agents, and farmers. • Develop monitoring systems for seed traceability, genetic performance, and survival/growth rates in production systems. • Work with institutions to strengthen seed certification and regulatory frameworks. • Document technical findings, contribute to reports, and support dissemination of project results.Qualifications: Education:- • Master’s or Ph.D. in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Aquatic Biology, or a closely related field. Experience:- • Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in aquaculture systems design and seed development, preferably in Bihar. • Demonstrated experience working with hatcheries and seed distribution systems in Bihar and other states. • Familiarity with genetic management, biosecurity protocols, and seed certification processes.Technical Skills:- • Strong knowledge of aquaculture production systems (extensive, semi-intensive, intensive). • Expertise in broodstock and hatchery management for IMCs. • Experience in tech enabled aquaculture production systems. • Data analysis and performance monitoring of aquaculture operations. •Experience in capacity building and stakeholder engagement.Preferred Attributes: • Experience working in multi-stakeholder development projects. • Fluency in Hindi and English. • Willingness to travel to field sites across as required.Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status. Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.Safeguarding: We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.Disclaimer: Palladium operates a rigorous, multi-stage selection process for all vacancies. Submission of an application does not guarantee advancement at any stage, the receipt of an offer, or onboarding to the specified role.