RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3- ABRAHMS LAB
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The Department of Biology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer to join their team.
POSITION PURPOSE
This position conducts integrative research linking natural environmental processes and human-driven change to animal behavior, fitness, population dynamics, and conservation of the large carnivore guild in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
POSITION COMPLEXITIES AND IMPACT
The project this position will support is a long-term study to comprehensively quantify relationships between the environment, behavior, ecology and conservation in the African large carnivore community. Primary focal species are African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), lions (Panthera leo), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and leopards (Panthera pardus), however other bird and mammal species will be monitored to provide ecological context. The study unites long-term datasets with the ongoing collection of behavioral and movement data, high-resolution climate and environmental spatial layers, and targeted non-invasive field data. Accurate quantification of the patterns and mechanisms by which species respond to environmental variability and global change allows us to better assess the sensitivity of ecosystems to environmental perturbations and predict how the effects of global change will propagate through ecosystems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General lab and field work (75%)
Preparing for, executing, and overseeing fieldwork at the study site in the Okavango Delta
Conducting data analysis
Preparing and publishing manuscripts in scientific journals
Results dissemination through presentations
Participation in lab meetings
Student mentorship within the lab group
Research camp responsibilities (25%)
Coordinating and executing capture and collaring of free-ranging large carnivores
Applying and troubleshooting bio-logging sensors and collars on large carnivores in the field
Maintenance of 4x4 vehicles and other equipment
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Sciences, or other related fields
Four years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of education/experience
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated publishing record in ecology
Analytical skills in R
Spatial analysis skills in R
Analysis of movement data in R
Analysis of accelerometer, audio, and other bio-logging data
Experience working with large bio-logging, environmental, and other spatial datasets
Developing new animal-worn sensors for large predators and troubleshooting sensors within remote field settings
Knowledge on the behavioral ecology of large African predators and ecosystem dynamics in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Experience leading interdisciplinary partnerships with computer scientists for the purposes of applying advanced ML to ecology
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A PhD in Zoology, Biology, Natural Sciences, or other related fields
Strong interest in predator movement ecology, conservation, and the impact of climate change human-wildlife conflict
Comfortable using open-source technologies in the context of ecology and conservation
Previous experience with citizen-science wildlife survey approaches for sustainable species monitoring
Record of acquiring and managing independent research grants
Demonstrated record in academic and non-academic outreach, including through conference presentations, population science outlets (such as print, radio, and tv), and invited seminars.
Recording of conducting research in partnership with non-profit research partners
3+ years field experience deploying wildlife tracking collars on African large carnivores, including specific skills critical for fieldwork within the proposed study system, such as animal tracking, and large carnivore identification
5+ years experience leading field-based research initiatives in remote research camps
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The Department of Biology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer to join their team.
POSITION PURPOSE
This position conducts integrative research linking natural environmental processes and human-driven change to animal behavior, fitness, population dynamics, and conservation of the large carnivore guild in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
POSITION COMPLEXITIES AND IMPACT
The project this position will support is a long-term study to comprehensively quantify relationships between the environment, behavior, ecology and conservation in the African large carnivore community. Primary focal species are African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), lions (Panthera leo), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and leopards (Panthera pardus), however other bird and mammal species will be monitored to provide ecological context. The study unites long-term datasets with the ongoing collection of behavioral and movement data, high-resolution climate and environmental spatial layers, and targeted non-invasive field data. Accurate quantification of the patterns and mechanisms by which species respond to environmental variability and global change allows us to better assess the sensitivity of ecosystems to environmental perturbations and predict how the effects of global change will propagate through ecosystems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General lab and field work (75%)
Preparing for, executing, and overseeing fieldwork at the study site in the Okavango Delta
Conducting data analysis
Preparing and publishing manuscripts in scientific journals
Results dissemination through presentations
Participation in lab meetings
Student mentorship within the lab group
Research camp responsibilities (25%)
Coordinating and executing capture and collaring of free-ranging large carnivores
Applying and troubleshooting bio-logging sensors and collars on large carnivores in the field
Maintenance of 4x4 vehicles and other equipment
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Sciences, or other related fields
Four years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of education/experience
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated publishing record in ecology
Analytical skills in R
Spatial analysis skills in R
Analysis of movement data in R
Analysis of accelerometer, audio, and other bio-logging data
Experience working with large bio-logging, environmental, and other spatial datasets
Developing new animal-worn sensors for large predators and troubleshooting sensors within remote field settings
Knowledge on the behavioral ecology of large African predators and ecosystem dynamics in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Experience leading interdisciplinary partnerships with computer scientists for the purposes of applying advanced ML to ecology
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A PhD in Zoology, Biology, Natural Sciences, or other related fields
Strong interest in predator movement ecology, conservation, and the impact of climate change human-wildlife conflict
Comfortable using open-source technologies in the context of ecology and conservation
Previous experience with citizen-science wildlife survey approaches for sustainable species monitoring
Record of acquiring and managing independent research grants
Demonstrated record in academic and non-academic outreach, including through conference presentations, population science outlets (such as print, radio, and tv), and invited seminars.
Recording of conducting research in partnership with non-profit research partners
3+ years field experience deploying wildlife tracking collars on African large carnivores, including specific skills critical for fieldwork within the proposed study system, such as animal tracking, and large carnivore identification
5+ years experience leading field-based research initiatives in remote research camps
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.