Research Scientist​/Engineer - Abrahms Lab

The University of Washington is seeking a Research Scientist/Engineer for the Abrahms Lab in Des Moines, IA. The role involves conducting research on large carnivores in the Okavango Delta, focusing on their behavior and conservation. Responsibilities include fieldwork, data analysis, and mentorship. Candidates should have a relevant degree, experience in ecology, and skills in R for data analysis. This position requires on-site work at the study location.
Position: RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3- ABRAHMS LAB
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 IMPACTThe 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…