Research Associate – University of Washington
The Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO) at the University of Washington is seeking a Post-doctoral Research Associate (job code 0148) for research related to support of technological solutions to fisheries challenges. JISAO fosters collaborative research and education with a broad array of departments on the University campus and with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This position will be located at the University, working with both the Applied Physics Laboratory and the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences.
Description: Estimates of fish population indices from traditional monitoring methods are often very imprecise, extremely personnel intensive to obtain, and they do not provide estimates of absolute abundance. In contrast, in other areas of ocean research, and in robotics and computer vision research in general, huge technological gains are being made, pushed by rapidly increasing processing power and sensor development that could be leveraged for updating population assessment methods. The goal of this postdoc is to move current monitoring practices towards more rigorous, safer, and less personnel-intensive solutions, through activities such as the development and implementation of new sensors and/or software or automation of processes that are currently done by humans. As such, we seek applicants who have a strong foundation in either the fishery sciences or relevant engineering fields, and have a compelling proposal for a project that bridges the gap between current monitoring practices and potential technology. One of the objectives in establishing this position is to increase ties among researchers at UW School of Aquatics and Fisheries Sciences (SAFS), UW Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and NOAA Fisheries. Therefore, the research project should have the potential to be of interest to researchers at all three institutions.
This is a 1-year, 100% FTE postdoc appointment (renewable for a second year, contingent on funding and satisfactory performance). Applicants must possess a PhD in a relevant science or engineering field prior to their proposed start date. It is desired for applicants to possess experience in conducting research in the field, experience bridging science and engineering research, and/or experience with fisheries-related research. The University of Washington and JISAO promote diversity and inclusion among our faculty and staff, and seek candidates who are able to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.
JISAO will serve as the home department and SAFS will be the appointing department for this position. The Research Associate will be advised by a principal investigator in SAFS and/or a principal investigator at APL. The position will be located at either SAFS or APL depending on the nature of the project. Publication support and travel support for field research and conference participation is included with this position. Support in terms of equipment and testing will be supplied on an as needed basis depending on the proposed project.
The University of Washington is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries. The UW is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see www.engr.washington.edu/advance). All University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research and service.
Application Instructions
Applicants are asked to submit electronically to Sarah Webster (swebster@apl.washington.edu and André Punt (aepunt@uw.edu) the following: 1. a curriculum vitae; 2. a publication list; 3. a cover letter including a personal statement of proposed research to be pursued (including any potential relevant collaborations within SAFS and APL); 4. the names and contact information of three individuals who can serve as references, and 5. any sample publications. In addition, applicants must provide proof of the PhD conferral and be within 6 years of receipt of the PhD. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify Mary Smith, JISAO, 206-543-5216 or mchsmith@uw.edu. Please submit applications by February 15, 2017. Strong candidates will be interviewed during winter 2017, and will start in spring/summer 2017.
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