Principal Research Scientist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Department of Biology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist Principal to join their team. Reporting to Professor, the Research Scientist Principal is responsible for contributing to the research and training mission of the Department of Biology. Tasks include developing a research program (grant proposal writing: determining research questions and hypotheses; overseeing and directing data acquisition, analyses, and interpretation) and producing presentations and peer-review publications. This position will also mentor and supervise students in research activities through independent research and the creation of a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) program. This position will also further connect with, leverage and augment the highly effective outreach and educational resources at the Burke Museum and provide case study materials for the study of evolution for K-12 students and educators. Additional tasks include leading symposia at national and international conferences, serving as peer reviewer of technical publications and funding agencies, and networking nationally and internationally. This position fits into the Department of Biology’s goals of advancing research, mentoring of students, and disseminating research to general audiences. This position will balance multiple responsibilities including leading a research program, mentoring of students in research activities, and securing research funding. This position advances cutting-edge research and education in the biological sciences by generating new knowledge about the major processes that contribute to the diversity of life, mentoring of students in preparation for STEM fields, broadening participation of underrepresented groups in academic research, and engaging with the community through outreach. This position will serve at minimum 10 undergraduate students per academic year through direct mentorship, and many more through outreach events and guest lectures. This position is expected to work 30 hrs/week.

Requirements

PhD degree in Biology or related fields.
Six or more years in a related area of research.
Extensive knowledge on the skeletal anatomy, functional morphology, ecology, and evolutionary history of mammals, particularly carnivorans.
Extensive experience demonstrating evidence of collecting morphological data using 2D and 3D morphometrics approaches including light structure 3D scanning, CT scanning, photogrammetry, and caliper measurements; conducting phylogenetic comparative analyses including OU modeling, adaptive landscape analyses, and total-evidence phylogenetic reconstruction; and prior publications in carnivoran functional morphology, phylogenetics, and biomechanics.
Extensive experience developing and running a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) program to engage undergraduate students in research pertaining to mammalian evolution, functional morphology, and biomechanics.
Extensive experience working in a natural history museum setting, including working with specimens, curating specimens, and conducting outreach using specimens.

Nice To Haves

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Responsibilities

Conduct original research in vertebrate biology; apply extensive and diversified knowledge of scientific research and practices in vertebrate biology
Develop and maintain an externally funded research program (grant proposal writing: determining research questions and hypotheses; overseeing and directing data acquisition, analyses, and interpretation)
Publish regularly in high-impact peer-reviewed journals/societies
Manage technically complex projects and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams
Plans and directs the operation of the Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) program in mammal evolution and diversity
Provides technical leadership for the CURE program; supervise and mentor undergraduate students in research activities, and mentor graduate students in research activities
Promote scientific literacy and public understanding of evolutionary biology through outreach activities at the Burke Museum of Natural History
Connect with, leverage and augment the highly effective outreach and educational resources at the Burke Museum and provide case study materials for the study of evolution for K-12 students and educators
Plays a lead role in the identification/acquisition of research funding
Networks nationally and internationally; lead symposia at national and international conferences
Attend scientific conferences, workshops, and training sessions
Maintain current knowledge of the field through ongoing scholarly engagement
Serve as peer reviewer of technical publications and funding proposals through funding agencies
Assist with departmental operations as needed