Research Scientist/Engineer Senior

Job Description

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Senior to join the Environmental and Information Systems Department.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Principal Oceanographer, the Research Scientist/Engineer Senior will develop and lead research programs that consist of common tools and teams applied to a diverse range of projects and funding agencies. The incumbent selected will plan and execute ongoing funded projects through grants and contracts. The projects include complex and novel tasks that require the development of new sensors, platforms, and sensing paradigms to answer fundamental questions in oceanography and to advance the use of autonomous underwater vehicles. Specifically, the research will advance the use of long-endurance autonomous instrument platforms through sensor integration, development of advanced shoreside and embedded control algorithms, and adaptive autonomous deployment and recovery methods. The research will focus on the synergistic use of autonomous sampling methodology to produce data that support ocean modeling efforts, and will support the study of physical, acoustic, and other applied oceanographic processes of basic and applied concerns in both coastal and deep ocean settings.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Planning and Fundraising (20% FTE):

• Conceives research and develops new technologies to address scientific questions.

• Develops research plans/proposals that are fundable and maximize project successes.

• Pursues research funding opportunities through regular federal channels (NSF, NASA, DOE, ONR) and any additional emergent relationships with other sponsors (including local or state governments, philanthropic organizations, or companies).

• Writes and submits single- and multi-investigator proposals, which include articulation of the scientific question and methods used to explore its answer, and the development of a detailed, comprehensive research project plan and budget.

• Develops research projects with collaborators within APL, within UW, and across external organizations.

• Oversees budgets and adheres to sponsor requirements and deliverables.

Research Activities (50% FTE):

• Executes funded research projects.

• Oversees engineering development including technology conception, design, fabrication, laboratory testing, and field demonstration.

• Performs data collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation.

• Develops and writes software programs to control underwater platforms, directs their sampling, and interprets their measurements

• Oversees and directs engineering and science teams to meet project goals.

Personnel Management, Mentoring, and Education (10% FTE):

• Supervises and mentors junior engineers and scientists.

• Provides research experience and outreach to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs.

• Engages with and contributes to the department and lab.

Sponsor Engagement (10% FTE):

• Coordinates with sponsors for project updates and sponsor meetings throughout the project, including project completion.

• Cultivates and maintains rapport with applied research sponsors.

Research Communication (10% FTE):

• Communicates research results through presentations (oral and poster).

• Creates outreach materials or disseminates publicity from suitable projects.

• Writes and publishes scientific reports, papers, and presentations.

• Files disclosures of inventions or patent applications as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in Engineering or a related field, and 8 years of experience.

Additionally, the candidate must have:

• An existing DoD security clearance.

• US Citizenship.

A federal security clearance is required to hold this position. The person hired into this position must be a U.S. citizen and successfully obtain and continue to maintain a Department of Defense (DOD) Personnel Security Clearance. The process for obtaining a DOD Security Clearance can be viewed using the following links: Processing Applicants (dcsa.mil) or General Investigations and Clearance Processes (dcsa.mil)

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

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Preferred Qualifications

• A demonstrated history of working with US Navy research partners on autonomous systems.

• Excellent verbal and written skills.

• Ability to work independently and with a team.

• Strong research, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

• Demonstrated technical communication and collaboration abilities.

Must have a history of developing instruments or vehicles that meet an unfilled capability.

Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job satisfactorily:

Candidate must have general knowledge of oceanographic instrumentation and engineering systems, knowledge of buoyancy-controlled underwater platforms, including fundamentals of operation, sensors, controls, and data analysis techniques. They must have proficiency in scientific computing (MATLAB, Python) for simulation and data analysis for sensor integration and control development. They must have demonstrated the ability to plan, conduct, and interpret at-sea ocean observations.

Desired Qualifications:

An ideal candidate will have experience leading collaborative engineering teams; Broad knowledge of physical oceanography, robotics, and autonomy is also desired.

About APL:

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington. Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics and imaging, polar science, remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.

We are focused on building and sustaining a laboratory where all students, staff, and collaborators can realize success. We believe every member of our team enriches our research enterprise by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver solutions. We invite you to explore our laboratory, to find answers to Common Questions about the University’s application process, and to See Yourself at APL .

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$102,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$114,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at View phone number on aiapply.co or View email address on aiapply.co.

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.