RESEARCHER/PROGRAMMER

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Job Location Detail: Columbia Basin Research, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington

Posting Date: 10/25/2024

Closing Info: Closes On 11/04/2024

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.

The two main fields of research related to this position are: 1) applied ecology and 2) information technology. The position is engaged in applied research and programming of online tools related to the impacts of regulated river operations and changing environmental conditions on salmon and population recovery. More specifically, the research includes the development of state-of-the-art tools for management of endangered fish species in large, regulated river systems. The research and programming conducted by this position will be accessible to other researchers, stakeholders, rightsholders, and the public through the Columbia River Basin (CBR) website ( which provides access to historical and real-time data, predictions, and analytical tools.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Analysis (50%)

1. Discover and acquire fisheries and environmental datasets relevant to ecological research.
2. Collaborate with other researchers on designing research studies and analytical methods.
3. Run analytical models of salmon responses, including survival, abundance, and migration.
4. Assist with applying innovative analytical methods related to ecological processes, decision-making, and management of natural resources.
5. Document versions of analytical models and research in progress.
6. Prepare scripts for analyses in GitHub and finalize for publication.
7. Collaborate with other researchers on writing for peer-reviewed publications.
8. Write sections of technical reports in coordination with other researchers.

Programming (30%)

1. Program scripts for interactive data visualization tools and interactive modeling tools.
2. Perform self-directed data and script testing to develop, debug and improve products.
3. Prepare and write end-user documentation.
4. Collaborate with others on cross-functional teams.
5. Provide technical support and expertise to other Research Scientists/Consultants, Systems Analyst/Programmer, Computer Support Analyst, and Web Computing Specialist with data and tool development.

Data and Database Administration (15%)

1. Assist in obtaining and disseminating appropriate metadata for each primary source.
2. Assist in designing and implementing effective QC procedures for publicly available data.
3. Assist in creating effective SQL to deliver accurate, functional query results.
4. Assist with providing custom, curated datasets as requested by team members and the public.

Regional Outreach (5%)

1. Work with CBR staff and regional partners to develop data tools and research products.
2. Provide feedback to primary sources on dataflow and QA/QC issues.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Information Science, Computer Science, Biometry or related field, and two years of ecology, information, computer sciences experience or other relevant experience; OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Working knowledge and experience with R or other relevant analytical software.
2. Working knowledge and experience with R Shiny apps or other interactive online tools.
3. Experience in database administration of PostgreSQL database management systems.
4. Working knowledge of at least one programming language; e.g., Perl, Python.
5. Working knowledge of at least one scripting language; e.g., bash, sed, awk.
6. Experience with Git/GitHub or other version control systems.
7. Experience with open science practices.
8. Strong written and oral communication skills.
9. Ability to work in a collaborative setting.
10. Ability to establish and maintain positive, ethical, and professional interpersonal relationships.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Interest in supporting the scientific process leading to insights and understanding of natural resources and ecological processes to help with conservation, fishery management, research, and collaboration with communities.
2. At least two years of experience in programming with a collaborative team.
3. Demonstrated ability to develop dynamic map-based web content.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and execute logical judgement.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with users to analyze and develop solutions to meet work needs, train effectively, and write usable documentation for internal and external end-user use.
6. Outstanding interpersonal skills, including team ethic and relationship building.
7. Demonstrates an inquisitive mind to learn quickly and innovate collaboratively.
8. Ability to establish and maintain positive, ethical, and professional working relationships with UW community and other professional contacts from a wide variety of backgrounds in the region—including members of racial, ethnic, and sexual minority populations—and be respectful of individual and cultural differences.

The position is funded for 2 years with additional time based on availability of funding.

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”.

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

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.