RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 2

Company: University of Washington
Location: Seattle
Posted on: November 19, 2023

Job Description:

If you are using a screen reader and experience any difficulty accessing our web pages, please call 206-543-2544 or email UWHires and we will be happy to assist you. jump to content 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 University of Washington's School of Oceanography (SoO) operates two research vessels, R/V Thomas G. Thompson and R/V Rachel Carson. The Shipboard Science Support Group (SSSG) provides logistical support within SoO's Marine Operations to enable users of our research vessels to successfully and safely carry out their planned missions and objectives. Individuals in the SSSG work cooperatively with ship operators, ship users, co-workers, and vendors to maintain a high level of services and specialized scientific and technical assistance to the oceanographic community.

The University of Washington is currently seeking a qualified, motivated individual with technical and practical skills in ocean sciences to join our sea-going team of technicians in support of the SoO's scientific and educational cruises on R/V Thomas G. Thompson. This position entails frequent periods worked at sea, for two to three months at a time and half the year or more on R/V Thompson wherever it is operating throughout the world ocean. Those hired will be assigned to work in port when R/V Thompson is in shipyard for maintenance and instrumentation upgrades, and also may be assigned remote work for cruise preparations during a small percentage of the work year.

Personnel in this position will predominantly work aboard R/V Thompson wherever it is operating. Cruise preparation duties - representing about 5% of the position - can be performed remotely with approval from the SSSG supervisor. Personnel will complete a Telework Plan and Agreement in consultation with the SSSG Supervisor. The plan and agreement will need to be approved by the School of Oceanography and the University of Washington.

All SSSG personnel must have the capacity for both working as part of a team in a high energy group environment, where communication and listening both are critical to success, and working alone for extended periods while retaining the ability to remain self-directed. Personnel are expected to cultivate positive and welcoming shipboard culture and uphold the University of Washington's value of inclusiveness where diverse perspectives are recognized, respected, and seen as a source of strength.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Watch standing and Science Operations Support (70%):

All personnel within the group are expected to perform the following tasks while at sea on R/V Thompson:
--- Stand regular watches (typically 12 hours per day); perform duties of scientific data collection and archiving; and assist with deployment and recovery of scientific equipment as required to meet the objectives of each expedition
--- Operate, monitor, and maintain shipboard scientific instruments and associated software, shipboard navigation and communications systems, and GPS receivers
--- Liaison with the Science Party (via the Chief Scientist or science watch leader) to communicate pertinent information on science operations between the science party and ship's crew; advise the onboard scientists on the most efficient methods for gathering high-quality scientific data using the ship's systems.
--- Assist the Master of the vessel to maintain compliance with ship, deck, and lab safety procedures and with proper storage and use of scientific hazardous materials and radioisotope materials brought onboard by vessel users
--- Provide weekly and final cruise summary reports for each expedition, detailing successes and deficiencies in meeting objectives and the status of on-board equipment and instruments
--- Plan and implement instrumentation or computer upgrades, as well as document procedures and configurations.

Operate and Manage shipboard computer systems and networks (20%):

Members of SSSG are expected to have the knowledge and skills to understand and manage the shipboard computer networks on the R/V Thompson with the support of a shoreside Senior Computer Specialist including:
--- Manage shipboard computer Linux-based data servers and individual networked acquisition computers running Linux, Windows 10, and Mac OS operating systems.
--- Network administration expertise and strong working knowledge of VLANs are preferred.
--- Ensure that this system is optimally configured and maintained for the science mission, including preserving the integrity of cruise data and shipboard communications systems.
--- Develop procedures to provide redundancy of functions for system components, document the procedures, and provide training and direction within SSSG to elucidate network architecture, functionality, and procedures.

Other Skills (10%):

In addition to the basic duties required of all personnel, members of SSSG are expected to develop individual expertise in emerging areas of oceanographic research to contribute ideas, develop procedures for carrying out shipboard research, interpret data quality, and collaborate on presenting research results. They are encouraged to identify and pursue necessary training opportunities to increase knowledge and skills in ways that benefit SSSG and Marine Operations activities and goals and that contribute to the academic and research missions of the School of Oceanography. The areas of expertise include:

--- Data Acquisition Systems. Participate, in consultation with other members of SSSG team, vessel users, and vendors in operation/maintenance/upgrades of software and hardware that comprise the suite of mechanical, electronic, and computer-controlled instruments in shipboard data collection, routing, and archiving systems (e.g., Knudsen depth sounder and sub-bottom profiler, Seabird CTD, Kongsberg EM 302 swath bathymetry system, Applanix POS/MV, meteorological and navigational sensors, and vessel-mounted Teledyne/RDI Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers).
--- Sampling and Measurement Systems. Participate, in consultation with other members of SSSG team, vessel users, and vendors in the maintenance of mechanical and electronic components of sampling and measurement devices. Develop expertise in the use of acoustical systems and other scientific instrumentation for ship-based observations (e.g., Guildline AutoSal, Metrohm Dosimat titrators, chlorophyll fluorometers).
--- Data Archiving. Participate in UNOLS fleet wide R2R (rolling deck to repository) data archiving initiative and related efforts; implement best practices and standard procedures on our vessels; develop, maintain, and upgrade software to archive raw, derived, and meta data and to process, edit, and plot data for quality control and scientific inspection at sea.
--- Education. Interact with faculty, students, and research scientists to train and mentor them in standard and novel approaches to shipboard oceanographic instrumentation, data collection and interpretation; become a resource within the School of Oceanography who contribute to local NSF-required broader impacts efforts to explain the significance of the research conducted on our vessels.
Additional related duties are to be performed as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in oceanography, engineering or other related disciplines. Two years of experience in a seagoing technical position directly related to oceanographic field studies 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.

DESIRED:

--- Experience operating and maintaining standard shipboard scientific instruments;
--- excellent written and verbal skills;
--- ability to work under and meet short deadlines;
--- and demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively at sea in adverse weather and conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
--- Must have the ability to obtain a valid passport and valid driver's license.
--- Must provide references who are able to speak to relevant job qualifications and experience.
--- Employees will be required to participate in research cruises at sea for extended periods (up to 90 days) of time.

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. 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.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .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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Keywords: University of Washington, Seattle , RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 2, Engineering , Seattle, Washington