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The Center for Environmental Forensic Science (CEFS) is recruiting a Research Scientist position to advance the forensic applications of their Conservation Canine (CK9) program. The Research Scientist will participate in hands-on research and capacity building activities at home and abroad aimed at taking canine forensic science to new levels. Initial work will be focused largely on our program developing high throughput methods that combine remote air sampling with canine detection to search maritime containers for environmental contraband. Other projects might include building DNA-reference maps for species targeted by the illegal wildlife trade, monitoring wildlife over large remote areas, environmental toxicology, or invasive species biology. The candidate will work closely with other CK9 dog handlers, under the direction of the CK9 program manager, but is part of a much broader environmental forensic program overseen by CEFS’ Co-Executive Directors and Program Operations Manager (https://cefs.uw.edu/). This work may also involve external collaborators and clients such as government agencies, non-profit research groups, or private companies.

The person in this position should be an experienced detection dog handler, capable of applying the research method independently in the field, and have the specialized skills to help the dog to reach its full potential. The successful candidate in this role must possess the ability to work independently as well as with others and apply innovation and critical thinking while carrying out their responsibilities. Once trained, the candidate will need to be fully able and willing to apply pre-determined research methods independently in the field with minimal direction or oversight.

The position is located and based at our CK9 facility near Eatonville, WA (https://cefs.uw.edu/research/container-searches). 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.

Responsibilities

Research - 60%

Participate in DHS-funded study, developing high throughput methods that combine remote air sampling (RAS) with canine detection to search maritime containers for environmental contraband

Train dogs in detection of novel target odors, presented alone or in combination with varying percentages of non-target odors.

Train dogs to detect these same scents captured on odor capture pads by a uniquely designed remote air sampling device.

Work with customs officials and other port authorities to implement the RAS device at ports of entry or export.

Application of scent detection dog methodology to search for biological samples in a wide variety of settings, including large remote areas:

Continuous honing of dog detection skills, including individual dog variation in change in behaviors related to target versus non-target scent detection, motivation, and obedience.

Understanding how terrain, wind speed and pattern, vegetation, and temperature simultaneously influence scent cones (odor emitted by target sample)

Using expertise in the above two skill sets to continuously assess, optimize, and direct the dog’s search through each landscape encountered over the course of a field day.

Independent training of detection dogs on new species or products as need arises.

Ability to work independently for long hours in remote field conditions for extended periods of time.

Perform Data Collection and Management:

Collect biological samples.

Ability to navigate and be familiar with software for data collection, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to facilitate and further assist program objectives related to spatial data collection and visualization.

Collect additional or environmental supporting data related to sample collection and location i.e., condition, such as vegetation, microhabitat, canopy cover, terrain slope and aspect, weather, relative sample degradation/condition, visual inspection of content, odor, etc.

Optimize and coordinate data organization and compilation into project-specific databases as directed by the principal investigator (PI).

Design and conduct experiments:

Identify problems and conduct experiments to test solutions for forensic methodologies, dog performance, sample preservation, or other assorted research questions as they arise in the field, as directed by PI. This may include simulating field conditions in the lab to test new methods or evaluate dog performance, taking measurements, recording observations, and data management, in addition to the primary responsibility of working with the detection dog.

Summarize data for progress reports as needed.

Technical proficiency with:

Contamination-free collection techniques of samples

High familiarity with computers

Biological sample collection and preservation in liquid media and dehydration techniques

Dataloggers

Garmin GPS

Inreach Satellite Emergency Devices

Detection dog equipment: harnesses, crates, cooling vests, floatation vests, foot protection, eye protection, and canine first aid kits.

Other related duties as assigned.

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 well-being 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.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in life science (Biology) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Up to one year's experience in a related area; some or all may be in relevant educational programs.

Desired Qualifications:

Interest in conservation biology; experience with remote field work; experience with ArcGIS.

Demonstrated excellence in communication and interpersonal skills.

Excellent planning and organizational skills including the ability to supervise others.

Self starter with ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and productively with a variety of people including undergraduate students, graduate students, academic PIs, government agency representatives, field technicians, citizen scientists and volunteers, donors and administrative staff.

Flexibility with work schedule to anticipate and meet deadlines and the needs of the projects. Ability to work long days as needed to achieve major deadlines with compensatory time off at another date.

PC and MAC literate

Ability and willingness to learn new computer applications related to research and job requirements.



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.