Chief Scientist (Part Time- 80% Fte)

Job Description

CHIEF SCIENTIST (Part Time- 80% FTE)

Req #: 236191 Department: COLLEGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT: SMEA Job Location: Seattle Campus Posting Date: 07/02/2024 Closing Info: Closes On 07/09/2024 Salary: $10,000-$11,500 per month Other Compensation: 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 eDNA Collaborative is housed at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs with a mission of accelerating the move of eDNA techniques out of the lab and into routine practice around the world. The eDNA Collaborative's overarching emphasis is on broadening eDNA use beyond historically well-funded settings by building and supporting an international network of practitioners. Primary programs include an international visiting- scholars program, small monetary awards in support of external research, and original in-house research focusing on genetic detection and monitoring for environmental science and conservation.
The Chief Scientist works across all programs within the eDNA Collaborative. The position oversees all original research within the organization, strategically selects the visiting scholars, contributes to the selection of small monetary awards and finds and applies for new funds for the organization.
Additionally, this position works with the Networks Staff Scientist to: (1) interact with, and influence, existing global national/regional eDNA networks, tending to the constituencies and needs of each, (2) develop workable solutions for performance-based standards that meet the needs of a diverse suite of these constituents, ensuring that participants in the global south help to create these solutions, (3) develop and distribute standard reference materials in consultation with others, (4) work with various US administrative agencies on implementation plans for a national eDNA strategy, and (5) help to facilitate other eDNA Collaborative network-building activities (including webinars, convenings, etc.).
This position also supervises and works with the eDNA Collaborative Staff Scientist to (1) advance state-of-the-art research techniques, (2) simplify methods to increase global accessibility, and (3) communicate these techniques out to a global audience.
The Chief Scientist also supervises a small team of Research Scientists and Postdoctoral Scholars working on related, grant-specific research projects under the eDNA Collaborative umbrella.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Scientist will lead research in environmental DNA analysis at the eDNA Collaborative. In particular, the candidate will make use of exceptionally strong quantitative and analytical training, outstanding social and communication skills, and a high degree of international and cultural competence to lead and facilitate research among local and remote collaborators. In essence, the candidate will function as a chief scientist within a community of researchers, developing and disseminating new techniques and results. The successful candidate will help to develop and maintain a strong, extramurally funded research program in support of related work.
· Maintain and implement an extensive applied research and networking program with current and future partners (30%)
· Conduct bioinformatics and statistical modeling (20%)
· Supervise and mentor staff and students (15%)
· Prepare reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations (15%)
· Write grant proposals with partners, pursue funding opportunities, and interact with funding partners (10%)
· Conduct molecular laboratory work (5%)
· Participate in planning efforts or attend professional workshops and conferences (5%)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
· Doctoral degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Marine or Aquatic Science, Quantitative Ecology, Fisheries, Environmental Engineering, or other related and quantitative fields.
· Three to five years of experience
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
· Knowledge of required bioinformatic processes and statistical analyses; very strong skills in statistical modeling
· Fluency in R or similar computational computer languages
· Knowledge and expertise in a broad range of molecular techniques (DNA extraction, qPCR/ddPCR, PCR, sequencing)
· Fundamental understanding of assay design and optimization
· Excellent organizational skills, the ability to work independently, demonstrated foresight and good judgment, the ability to carry out routine troubleshooting.
· Effective written and oral communication skills.
· Proven track record of setting and meeting milestones and timelines
· Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively build relationships, promote a collaborative team environment, and influence others
· Demonstrated cultural competence and communication skills for effectively working with diverse stakeholders
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 [email protected] .

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 .

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