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The Center for Environmental Forensic Science (CEFS) is recruiting for an innovative Research Scientist II to advance the forensic applications of their Conservation Canine (CK9) program. The successful candidate will play a leadership role in our current DHS-funded study, developing high throughput methods that combine remote air sampling with canine detection to search sea containers for environmental contraband, as well as set new directions for the CK9 program as a whole. The candidate will work closely with CK9 dog handlers, as well as the CEFS Co-Executive Directors and the Program Operations Manager. The Research Scientist participates in, and oversees hands-on research, program management, and capacity building activities at home and abroad aimed at taking canine forensic science to new levels.

The Center for Environmental Forensic Science (CEFS)
The Center for Environmental Forensic Science (CEFS) aims to advance forensic methods and opportunities to disrupt and dismantle transnational environmental crimes through collaboration across multiple disciplines and domains. Transnational crimes have grown rapidly by capitalizing on a burgeoning world trade. Nearly one billion containers shipped worldwide on marine vessels provides enormous opportunities for criminal organizations to conceal large volumes of transnational environmental contraband in a legal trade. This is producing unprecedented negative impacts on biodiversity, health, economies, and national security. Advanced forensic methods and opportunities are needed to address this problem. Based at the University of Washington, CEFS is a collaboration of diverse scientists, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector, devising strategies, tools, and opportunities to discover and disrupt operations of transnational criminal organizations. We collaboratively determine what we need to know to strengthen investigations and prosecutions, develop and validate the combination of tools needed to achieve those ends, and capitalize on our collective skills, experiences, and connections to maximize their application where most needed.

UW Introduction
CEFS is housed in the Department of Biology. The Biology Department is a diverse, dynamic, and growing academic unit, with a very collegial staff within the College of Arts and Sciences. We are one of the largest academic departments on campus, and we support some 80 graduate students, 65 faculty members, 40 postdoctoral scholars, 80 classified and professional staff, and 100 hourly and student hourly employees. UW faculty and staff enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

Position Overview
Our CK9 research programs are centered around wildlife forensic science with a strong conservation focus but include other areas of investigation such as surveys for at-risk species over large remote areas, invasive species and environmental toxins. The successful candidate will be part of any number of internal CEFS research projects, as well as research programs directed by external collaborators and clients such as government agencies, non-profit research programs, or private entities.

The position is located and based at our CK9 facility near Eatonville, WA (http://www.washington.edu/conservationbiology/about-us/conservation-canines/ck9-training-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 Complexities
The potential of detection dogs is limitless given the right handler. It takes specialized skills to help the dog to reach its full potential, as well as train other handlers to achieve these goals. 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. The successful applicant will share our Center’s vision but also be able expand that vision in ways not yet discovered. The candidate will need to be fully able and willing apply pre-determined research methods independently in the field with minimal direction or oversight, but also able and willing to improve upon and expand these methods where warranted. In addition to field work, the ideal candidate must have demonstrated experience in forensic science – specifically use of dogs in contraband detection; the ability to drive program and project momentum forward to meet key deliverables and deadlines; and help discover new applications for detection dogs in the forensic sciences.

It is important in the success and mission of CEFS – that the Research Scientist build relationships with key program stakeholders and fulfill program responsibilities. This may include collaboration or coordination of program activities with external partners from private non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to combat transnational environmental crimes across the U.S. and international borders. This is an exciting opportunity to be an integral part of a dynamic and innovative team in environmental forensic science, and to have an impact in the success of shaping and advancing the mission of this core program.
CEFS was launched in October 2021 and is replacing and expanding upon the Center for Conservation Biology (CCB). The CEFS website is currently being developed. However, information about CEFS and its activities can be found at: http://conservationbiology.uw.edu/.

Responsibilities

Research - 60%

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

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

Train dogs and handlers 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

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.

Assist with assessing (on the fly while in the field), how to most effectively use field days to achieve scientific goals of the research project.

Utilize skill and experience to identify and suggest improvements to sample collection protocols for wildlife scat (e.g., swabbing external epithelial cells, use of sample preservative versus drying or freezing samples).

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

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

Effective leadership and creativity in developing and implementing new detection dog applications to forensic science

Work with CEFS co-executive directors and clients (e.g., NGO’s, government authorities, scientists) to identify, design and implement more effective detection dog applications for forensic and field science

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 PI.

Design and conduct experiments:

Identify problems and design 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.

Provide regular updates on study progress to principal investigator (PI).

Summarize data and prepare reports as needed to PI and donors.

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.

Program Management - 40%

Responsible for oversight and/or preparation of scent lab and field projects, including:

Developing lists, procurement, and assembly of necessary supplies and equipment

Ensuring all dogs are up to date with veterinary requirements

House and care for your detection dog

During field deployment:

Organize and delegate crews for all tasks required to complete the mission

Maintain health and wellbeing of detection dogs.

Track research expenses

Responsible for maintaining picture and video database to facilitate easy recovery and distribution of images from the field for project reports and papers.

Post-field activities:

Share or contribute data and/or updates for use in reports and publications. Provide a written report on appropriate program information to PI and/or administrative program operations staff for project status reports as needed.

Prepare information on necessary standardized spreadsheets or paperwork related to expenses including supporting documentation of expenses.

Responsible for remote Pack Forest CK9 facility location:

Maintaining field supply inventory- ensure supplies are in good working condition, track facility assets issued to staff and replenished as needed.

Recommend or request purchases for the CK9 facility with CEFS administrative staff.

Communicate and work with the Manager of Program Operations to oversee housing rental from Pack Forest and communicate any needs regarding Pack Forest housing to Program Operations Manager that is responsible for ensuring CK9 and CEFS are meeting the terms and conditions of the MOU.

Responsible for communicating with Program Operations Manager to ensure staff are maintaining rental facilities according to the MOU.

Ensure scent detection dogs are up to date on all vaccines and vet recommendations; follow 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.

Evaluate and acquire potential scent detection dogs from various agencies, shelters, and owner surrenders. Rehome dogs that do not pass CK9 training.

Attend relevant program meetings and meet with leadership regularly to provide update on progress and challenges to obtain input/feedback on prioritization of program activities. and communicate responsibilities/tasks to project team.

Core Competencies:

Excellent communication skills both verbally and written.

Excellent organizational skills and detail oriented.

Effectively manage difficult situations and shifting priorities.

Be proactive, recognize issues, and resolve problems.

A self-starter and have a professional attitude and work ethic.

Be transparent and accountable.

Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.

Maintain a positive, collaborative, and success-oriented attitude.

Able to perform tasks independently or within a team environment.

Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Able to successfully interact with a diversity of clients, including governments, law enforcement agents, scientists and NGOs

Required Qualifications:
Education requirement, minimum: Bachelor's or Master's degree or higher in life sciences or related field.
Experience requirement, minimum: Two to four year's experience in a canine scent detection program or training center with a core focus on identification of concealed contraband for a law enforcement type program or organization.

Demonstrate experience in working and caring for scent detection dogs including cohabitation with canines.

Experience in supervising a diverse team and be able to drive productivity under a variety of field and lab conditions.

Experience collaborating with key stakeholders including undergraduate students, graduate students, academic PIs, government agency representatives, field technicians, citizen scientists and volunteers, donors, and administrative staff.

Adapt to a flexible work schedule to proactively meet deadlines and needs of the program which may require long hours in the field to accomplish deadlines.

Be able to travel and possess (or be able to possess) a US passport and/or required travel credentials for domestic or international travel.

Able to navigate and utilize standard software applications and standards adopted by CEFS to facilitate research and job requirements.

Good familiarity with computers
Desired Qualifications:

Strong interest in forensic science and conservation biology

Passion, vision, leadership

Experience with remote field work

Work in a canine scent detection training program, US Customs and Border Patrol or similar state or federal agency.

Familiar with or experience data collection software

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.