RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER I

Profile

Other Compensation:
This position is eligible for overtime
Shift:
First Shift
Benefits:
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.
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 Center for Environmental Forensic Science (CEFS) is recruiting a Research Scientist position. The role works in collaboration within our Conservation Canine (CK9) staff and reports directly to the CK9 Program Manager. The person in this role will participate in hands-on research and basic program oversight of key activities related to applying detection dog methodology to a variety of core research programs in CEFS. These research projects are often centered around wildlife conservation but may include other scientific fields such as environmental toxicology, forensic science, or invasive species biology. Based near Eatonville, WA, the person in this position will be part of a core team of internal CEFS research projects, as well as research projects directed by external collaborators and clients such as government agencies, non-profit research groups, or private companies.

Position Complexities and Impact
The ability to work with detection dogs is a unique and highly specialized research technique that goes far beyond animal husbandry. The person in this position will have advanced to a stage of skill with this research technique that they no longer are considered apprentices and are deemed capable of applying the research method independently in the field.

The position is located and based at our CK9 facility near Eatonville, WA
Facility
The successful candidate will also be required to travel domestically and internationally for canine program activities, which may involve multiple days, weeks, or months in the field away from their home state of Washington.

Position Responsibilities
Research Tasks (60%)
Effective application of scent detection dog methodology to the search for molecular samples:
Continuous honing of dog ethology skills, including individual dog variation in change in behaviors related to target scent detection, non-target scent detection, motivation, etc.
Understanding how external environment, wind speed and pattern, vegetation, and temperature simultaneously influence scent cones.
Using expertise in the above two skill sets to continuously assess, optimize, and direct the dog’s search through each encountered scent in practice courses designed for scent detection canines.
Assist with assessing while on location or in the field, how to most effectively use field days to achieve scientific goals of the research project (e.g., mark-recapture population estimation, occupancy modeling, landscape genetics, physiological effects of a heterogeneous environment, etc.). This includes knowledge of field survey designs for various statistical objectives, such as mark-recapture, one-zero sampling, or line transects.
Use skillset and experience to identify and suggest improvements to sample collection protocols (e.g., swabbing external epithelial cells, drying vs freezing samples, etc.). For example, observed temperature or precipitation patterns may make one sample preservation method better than another. This is an especially important role, as many external project PIs are unfamiliar with the most up-to-date collection and preservation methods as validated by the CEFS.
Independent training of detection dogs on new species as needed to push program objectives and goals forward to completion.
Ability to work independently or within a team environment.

Data Collection and Management:
Collecting molecular samples when needed.
Familiarity with ODK and ArcGIS to the extent that they may assist with spatial data collection and visualization, when appropriate.
Collecting data related to sample location and condition, such as vegetation, microhabitat, canopy cover, terrain slope and aspect, weather, relative sample degradation/condition, visual inspection of content, odor, etc.
Data organization and compilation into project-specific databases, as directed by project manager or PI.

Conducts experiments of sample detection, dog behavior, sample preservation, or other assorted research questions as they arise in the field, as directed. This may include taking measurements, recording observations, and data management, in addition to the primary responsibility of working with the detection dog.
Technical proficiency with:
Manual and digital pipettes
Contamination-free collection techniques of wildlife scat samples
Molecular sample preservation in liquid media (cell lysis and PBS buffer solutions) and dehydration techniques
Dataloggers
Garmin GPS when appropriate.
Detection dog equipment: harnesses, crates, cooling vests, floatation vests, foot protection, eye protection, and canine first aid kits.

Project Tasks (40%)
Assist Program Manager with preparing for field projects; may be asked to take a lead role in the following tasks:
Developing lists, procuring, and assembly of necessary supplies and equipment.
Ensuring all dogs are up to date with veterinary requirements and travel certificates when required.

Maintaining health and wellbeing of detection dog while in the field; track and submit research expenses and reimbursements.
Maintain picture and video database to facilitate easy recovery and distribution of images of program activities for inclusion in project reports, papers, and/or website.
Contribute data and/or updates for use in reports and publications; assist manager and project lead with report writing for project milestones and deliverables; and prepare necessary spreadsheets and other documentation related to programs – during or at the conclusion of the project.
Coordinate CK9 program facilities at Pack Forest:
Maintaining supply inventory- ensure supplies are in good working condition, checked out & in by staff and replenished as needed.
Coordinate purchasing requests for CK9 team and ensuring available and appropriate budget.
Coordinate and oversee with the Program Manager - housing rented from Pack Forest and communicate any needs regarding Pack Forest housing to the Program Manager, who oversees and ensures that CK9 and CEFS are meeting the terms and conditions of the MOU.
Coordinate and oversee with the Program Manager to ensure staff are maintaining rental house according to the MOU.
Ensure scent detection dogs are up to date on all vaccines and vet recommendations. Ensure team is following IACUC protocols and CK9 guidelines for exercise and training upkeep.
Ensure all protocols for animals and staff are up to date, such as the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), Environmental Health & Safety, and any/all other units within the UW that oversee animal care and use and health and safety issues.
In coordination with members of the team and the PI, evaluate and recommend potential scent detection dogs from various agencies, shelters, and owner surrenders; oversee the coordination re-home of dogs that do not pass CK9 training.
Regular meeting attendance which may include on-site attendance at meetings held at UW Seattle main campus; update leadership team on a regular basis on program progress and challenges; provide input on program priorities including activities and communicate outcome to Program Manager.

Minimum Requirements:
BA in Life Science or related field; and one (1) year experience in a scent detection dog program.
Experience working with scent detection dogs.
Demonstrate excellence in communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent planning and organizational skills; a self-starter who can work within a collaborative team environment or individually.
Able to work in a diverse environment and build relationships both internally and with CEFS external stakeholders and program sponsors to achieve predetermine milestones and goals.
Familiar with or experience in navigating data collection software, MS suite software programs, IT hardware, and customized databases.
Be able to travel (domestic and/or international) and possess (or be able to possess) a US passport and/or required travel credentials for international travel as needed for CEFS core programs.

Desired Qualifications:
Strong interest in conservation biology; willing and able to travel for extended periods of time (domestic/ international) experience with remote field work; experience with ArcGIS.
Work in a canine scent detection training program, US Customs and Border Patrol or similar state or federal agency.


Application Process:
The application process for UW positions 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 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.
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
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 a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability
, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
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, **** or ****
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
Employees of the University of Washington are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage
for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.

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