RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3

Job Description

**RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3**
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Req #: 239131

Department: AQUATIC AND FISHERY SCIENCES

Appointing Department Web Address: http://FISH.UW.EDU

Job Location: Seattle Campus

Job Location Detail: OCCASIONAL TELEWORK ELIGIBLE

Posting Date: 09/24/2024

Closing Info: Closes On 10/01/2024

Salary: $5,677 per month

Other Compensation:

Union Position: Yes

Shift: First Shift

Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.

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.

This research position will support research that broadly seeks to increase the resilience of the shellfish aquaculture industry to climate change stressors. The research will allow us to understand the current drivers of organismal performance in an aquaculture setting and identify critical climate change thresholds that will negatively impact organismal performance in aquaculture. The position will also support the development of a decision support tool that will assist the Washington aquaculture industry to adapt to climate change stressors. It will help with this adaptation by providing farmers with information on predicted performance of famed species in geographic locations with differing environmental conditions. Farm management decisions can then be made that maximize performance and production.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Field research on oyster farms**

– Develop and implement in situ experiments to study the effects of environmental variables—such as temperature, salinity, and pH—on oyster populations in commercial aquaculture operations. This involves selecting appropriate sites, designing experiments that allow for the collection of robust data, and ensuring statistical rigor to support meaningful analysis and interpretation of results.

– Conduct regular visits to commercial shellfish farms across Washington state to monitor oyster population dynamics. This includes collecting data on growth, survival rates, and environmental conditions, as well as interacting with farm managers to gather insight on local environmental factors affecting oyster performance.

– Measure key performance indicators—such as growth rates, mortality, and condition indices—of farmed oysters across multiple field sites. Analyze this data to assess the health, resilience, and overall performance of oysters in response to varying environmental factors and aquaculture practices.

– Deploy and maintain oceanographic instruments, including pH sensors, temperature loggers, and dissolved oxygen monitors, to continuously track environmental conditions at oyster farming sites. Ensure the proper calibration and operation of these instruments to gather long-term, high-resolution data on water quality, chlorophyll concentrations, and other critical variables.

– Perform destructive sampling of oysters to collect tissue for histopathological analyses. This involves dissecting specimens, preserving tissue samples in fixatives, and preparing them for laboratory analysis to investigate disease, tissue integrity, and other health-related factors.

– Preserve tissue and biological samples from oysters for molecular analyses, such as metabolomics, gene expression profiling, and microbiome studies. Use appropriate preservation techniques (e.g., freezing or chemical stabilization) to ensure sample integrity for downstream molecular work.

– Use PreSens respirometry systems to measure oyster oxygen consumption rates under controlled environmental conditions. Analyze the data to assess metabolic performance, comparing it across different stressors like temperature or acidification, to better understand oyster resilience and adaptation mechanisms.

– Provide training and mentorship to new staff members and student researchers, covering all aspects of the research process. This includes hands-on instruction in field sampling techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, data analysis, and experimental design to maintain high standards of scientific rigor in all research activities.

**Conducting laboratory experiments**

– Design and implement cutting-edge, mesocosm-based laboratory experiments to investigate physiological responses of marine organisms to climate stressors. This includes developing advanced measurement techniques, selecting innovative methods, ensuring statistical rigor, and creating experimental protocols that provide clear, actionable insights into organismal responses within controlled, mesocosm environments.

– Program and operate the Apex Fusion control system to precisely manipulate pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels within individual mesocosms. This involves configuring the system’s proprietary software to ensure accurate and consistent environmental settings for experimental conditions.

– Oversee the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of mesocosm systems and infrastructure, including the replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components as needed. Ensure these systems replicate projected climate scenarios accurately and maintain optimal performance for experimental research.

– Utilize advanced gas mixing systems to adjust carbonate chemistry, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels, simulating future climate conditions for research purposes.

– Conduct detailed analyses of oyster respiration rates using the PreSens respirometry system to evaluate physiological responses to environmental stressors.

– Conduct precise monitoring of water carbonate chemistry using autotitrators and spectrophotometers to ensure accurate measurements for experimental conditions.

– Develop and write R scripts for processing and interpreting complex data outputs from scientific instruments, streamlining the analysis process.

– Collect and manage seawater for use in mesocosm experiments, ensuring that the water quality meets the necessary standards for maintaining marine organisms. This includes preparing and supplying seawater to support the health and viability of animals within the mesocosms throughout experimental procedures.

– Perform mechanical testing of oyster shell strength using the Instron universal testing machine to determine structural integrity under varying conditions.

**R coding to develop shiny decision support tool**

– Utilize the R programming language and the Shiny framework to develop a web-based decision support tool specifically for oyster farmers. This tool will help farmers choose the optimal type of oysters (diploid or triploid) for planting in specific locations to maximize yields. The application will be freely accessible to the public but targeted at oyster farmers, providing real-time data and predictive insights to inform their planting decisions.

– Examine and analyze underlying data to incorporate into a comprehensive framework. Ensure that the framework effectively supports decision-making processes and integrates relevant data for accurate recommendations.

– Develop and implement statistical models to predict oyster performance based on various environmental and biological factors. Use these models to generate actionable insights for improving oyster farming practices.

– Select and design appropriate visualizations to clearly and effectively present data and recommendations to oyster farmers. Ensure that visualizations are intuitive and facilitate quick understanding and decision-making.

– Choose and manage web hosting services to securely store and maintain the data associated with the decision support tool. Ensure that the data is accessible and well-managed.

– Identify and select relevant environmental data to be included in the decision support tool. Ensure that the data chosen is comprehensive and relevant to the needs of oyster farmers for accurate and effective decision-making.

**Scientific manuscripts for peer review**

– Synthesize the results of laboratory experiments and field studies with existing literature to prepare high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed international journals. Contribute to these manuscripts both as a primary author and as a co-author, ensuring rigorous research standards and clear communication of findings.

– Coordinate with multiple authors on manuscript preparation, assigning writing duties and managing the drafting process. Facilitate collaboration among team members to ensure cohesive and comprehensive coverage of research findings.

– Develop and write a review paper focusing on the potential of multi-trophic aquaculture systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine species. Conduct an extensive literature review, synthesize current knowledge, and provide insights into future research directions and practical applications.

**Research coordination and project management**

– Strategically plan fieldwork, coordinate team activities, and lead meetings with project partners to ensure timely progress and alignment with project objectives.

– Recruit and organize volunteers to assist with fieldwork and operational tasks on shellfish farms, ensuring adequate support for research activities.

– Work closely with commercial shellfish farm personnel to coordinate research activities. This involves scheduling sampling and data collection efforts around farm operations, ensuring minimal disruption to farming practices, and communicating research progress and findings to farm stakeholders.

– Ensure that research data is readily accessible to the public by storing it in appropriate online repositories, adhering to best practices for data sharing and transparency.

– Prepare detailed reports for funding agencies to update them on project progress, achievements, and alignment with project goals, demonstrating the impact and value of the research.

– Develop and strengthen collaborations with other research institutes, government agencies and commercial partners, enhancing the scope and effectiveness of research efforts through strategic partnerships.

– Obtain shellfish transfer permits as needed, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating smooth research operations.

**Data analysis**

– Utilize statistical software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, ggplot2) to perform analyses and create visualizations. Stay updated with new tools and techniques to enhance analytical capabilities.

– Evaluate and select the most appropriate statistical and analytical methods to assess experimental results. Ensure that chosen methods align with research objectives and data types.

– Conduct comprehensive statistical analyses, including hypothesis testing, development of linear mixed modelling approaches. Interpret statistical results to derive meaningful insights and conclusions from the data.

– Analyze and interpret the outcomes of statistical tests, drawing clear and accurate conclusions. Assess the implications of the results for research hypotheses and project goals.

– Develop and create effective data visualizations, such as graphs, charts, and plots, to present findings in scientific manuscripts and reports. Ensure that visualizations are clear, accurate, and tailored to both scientific audiences and public outreach efforts.

– Work collaboratively with other researchers and project partners to validate analytical approaches and interpretations. Provide expert consultation on data-related issues and contribute to the development of data analysis strategies.

**Presentation of results to stakeholders at scientific conferences**

– Travel to national and international conferences to present scientific research findings. Effectively communicate complex data and insights to diverse audiences, including researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers, enhancing the visibility and impact of the research.

– Develop and implement innovative methods to engage the shellfish farming industry. Create strategies and initiatives that foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between research teams and industry stakeholders.

– Organize and lead stakeholder engagement workshops aimed at soliciting valuable input from the shellfish farming industry. Utilize interactive tools such as Slido or Mentimeter to facilitate dynamic discussions, gather feedback, and drive meaningful engagement with industry participants.

**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Sciences, Engineering, or Scientific Discipline, or related field and four years of experience in Aquaculture and Climate Change or relevant experience; OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.

**ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**

– Experience working with diploid and triploid bivalve shellfish.

– Experience working collaboratively across government, academic, and commercial research partners to achieve research outcomes.

– Experience mentoring undergraduate students, providing guidance and support in research activities.

– Practical experience conducting scientific research on commercial shellfish farms, contributing to industry-relevant findings.

– Proven track record in developing research projects in collaboration with aquaculture industry stakeholders.

– Proven ability to manage research projects from conception to completion, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.

– Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing field studies to assess stressors affecting bivalves in aquaculture settings.

– Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in presenting complex scientific data to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public.

**DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS**

– PhD in Marine Sciences or related field and 4 years of post-doctoral experience.

– Over 5 years of experience working with research mesocosm aquaria to study the impacts of climate change on bivalves.

– More than 2 years of experience working with ApexFusion aquarium monitoring systems for managing environmental conditions.

– Over 5 years of experience with carbonate chemistry analyses to assess seawater chemistry and its effects on marine organisms.

– Over 8 years of experience using the R programming language for statistical data analysis and visualization.

– At least 4 first-author publications in international peer reviewed journals.

– Experience in developing funding applications for national and regional grants, including the submission of at least 3 major proposals valued over $100,000 each.

**NOTE**

This position is H1B sponsorship eligible.

**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 log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose 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.

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 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

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.