Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Hiring Lab Technician & Seasonal Project Assistants

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The Research on Aquatic Disease Lab is hiring for two positions. More details are available on their website.

Laboratory Technician

The RAD Lab at The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is recruiting for a Laboratory Technician to join our team investigating the drivers and consequences of infectious disease in aquatic ecosystems. This position will involve three core duties: 1) maintaining basic operations in the laboratory, 2) performing field sampling protocols, and 3) assisting with observational and experimental studies. Within these duties, the technician may undergo a variety of tasks, including (but not limited to): ordering laboratory supplies; participating in literature reviews; entering and organizing data; collecting benthic and planktonic invertebrates and amphibians from freshwater ponds and lakes; dissecting and/or visualizing hosts for parasites; culturing algae and zooplankton; assisting with experimental protocols. The individual will be expected to communicate regularly with the project PI and may act as a team leader for research assistants and interns.

The position carries the opportunity of acting as a bridge between an undergraduate degree and graduate-level education. The technician will be provided with close mentoring by the PI, opportunities to lead research projects, as well as networking and support toward building a competitive graduate school application.

A Bachelor’s degree is required. Competitive candidates will have research experience or training in aquatic ecology or parasitology, which may include experience with dissecting hosts, identifying parasites, culturing algae and/or zooplankton, and use of field aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., dipnet, seine, plankton tow). Proficiency in Excel is desired.

The start date is May 1, 2025 (start date is flexible/negotiable).

Seasonal Project Assistants (1–2 positions available)

The RAD Lab at the Cary Institute is pursuing questions on the drivers and consequences of infectious disease in aquatic ecosystems and needs 1-2 hourly assistants to participate in field work and laboratory experiments. The individual will work in a team of 3-4 members performing an aquatic field sampling protocol focused on benthic and planktonic invertebrates (i.e., snails and zooplankton) in freshwater ponds and lakes. Individuals will perform the following duties: 1) field sampling techniques including (but not limited to): dipnet, seine, plankton tow, visual survey, quadrat, and transect, 2) dissection and/or visualization of invertebrate hosts for parasite isolation, identification, and quantification, 3) data entry. Additional laboratory-based duties will include maintaining general laboratory organization, culturing algae and zooplankton, and assisting with experimental protocols. The individual will be expected to communicate regularly with the project PI and senior personnel.

Candidates should have completed some undergraduate-level coursework in the biological sciences. Competitive candidates will have research experience or training in aquatic ecology or parasitology, which may include experience with dissecting hosts, identifying parasites, culturing algae and/or zooplankton, and use of field aquatic sampling techniques. Proficiency in Excel is desired.

Employment can begin June 2, 2025 with an end date of October 2, 2025.

Congratulations to Lisa Cantore, recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Staff Award

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Congratulations to Lisa Cantore, who was chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Staff Award. In her role as Assistant Director, Research Administration, Lisa was described as “untiring and indefatigable, working to get proposals submitted” by her nominators, and a staff member of SAFS who “goes above and beyond to provide support and feedback to anyone who comes to her with questions and concerns.”

Lisa is a critical part of the admin team at SAFS with remarkable institutional knowledge, demonstrating “a genuine passion for the success of SAFS as a whole.” Congratulations Lisa!

Julian Olden selected to serve on The Nature Conservancy’s inaugural External Science Advisory Board

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Julian Olden, SAFS Professor

Julian Olden, a Professor at the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS), has been chosen as one of 10 scientists to serve on the inaugural External Science Advisory Board (ESAB) for The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

A global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where “people and nature can thrive”, The Nature Conservancy was founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, and has more than a million members, staff and over 400 scientists, driving conservation efforts in 81 countries and territories.

The ESAB was established to ensure that TNC’s science remains aligned with the latest advancements in science, particularly in areas directly relevant to their research and conservation goals.

Selected based on his demonstrated global expertise and leadership in freshwater conservation, Julian Olden shared: “I’m very excited to help inform the science and conservation practices of TNC, including progress towards their goal to protect 30% of the planet’s land and water by 2030.”

The board will also provide independent oversight and guidance on critical science-related topics, help shape the next phase of the One Conservancy Science (OCS) program and serve as an essential resource for the OCS leadership team and science staff around the organization.

One or many? Exploring the population groups of the largest animal on Earth

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Hunted nearly to extinction during 20th century whaling, the world’s largest animal, the Antarctic blue whale, went from a population size of roughly 200,000 to little more than 300. The most recent abundance estimate in 2004 put Antarctic blue whales at less than 1% of their pre-whaling levels.

But is this population recovering? Is there just one population of Antarctic blue whales, or multiple? Why do these questions matter for conservation?

Zoe Rand, a PhD student in the UW Quantitative Ecology & Resource Management program (QERM), is tackling these questions in a new study, published in Endangered Species Research on November 14, 2024. Building on the last assessment of Antarctic blue whales in 2004, and using old whaling records which were surprisingly detailed, Zoe has been investigating if there are different populations or one big circumpolar population. Also involved in the study is UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) Professor and Faculty for the QERM Program, Trevor Branch, and Jennifer Jackson from the British Antarctic Survey.

Paula Olson
Antarctic blue whales are the world’s largest animal, and are still recovering from being hunted nearly to extinction during 20th century whaling.

Antarctic blue whales are listed as an endangered species, and understanding their population structure is essential for their conservation. Conservation at the population-level increases biodiversity, and this diversity helps the species adapt better to environmental changes and increases chances of long-term survival.

During the whaling years, biologists began the Discovery marking program. Foot-long metal rods with serial numbers were shot into the muscles of whales. When these whales were caught, the metal rod was returned, and information about the whale’s size, sex, length, and where they were caught, was collected. Looking at where whales were marked compared to where they were caught can shed valuable insight into the movement of Antarctic blue whales, but this data has never been used before to look at population structure.

International Whaling Commission
Historical mark that was placed in the muscles of whales and then recovered during whaling.

In this new study, this historical data was used alongside contemporary survey data in Bayesian models to calculate inter-annual movement rates among the three ocean basins that make up the Southern Ocean (Atlantic, Indian, Pacific), which are the feeding grounds for Antarctic blue whales. They found frequent mixing among the ocean basins, suggesting that whales do not return to the same basin every year. This points to Antarctic blue whales being one single circumpolar population in the Southern Ocean.

These results are consistent with evidence from Antarctic blue whale songs, heard throughout the Southern Ocean. Only one song type has been recorded amongst the Antarctic blue whales. In comparison, pygmy blue whales have five different songs corresponding to five different populations. These results are also consistent with genetic studies which found that Antarctic blue whales are similar genetically.

Paula Olson
Antarctic blue whales are listed as an endangered species, and understanding their population structure is essential for their conservation.

This is the first time that historical mark-recovery data from the Discovery marking program has been analyzed using modern quantitative methods. This data exists for many other hunted whale species, such as fin and sei whales, so it could provide a framework for similar analyses for those whale species too.

There is still a lot we don’t know about the Antarctic blue whale. Acoustic data and their movement on the feeding grounds, suggests there is just one population in the Southern Ocean. Even though they do not appear to be separated geographically on their feeding grounds, they could still have population structure because of differences in breeding habitats or the timing of migration. However, almost nothing is known about Antarctic blue whale breeding behavior. Using historical data from whaling alongside contemporary data such as satellite tagging, and photo-identification is our best hope for uncovering the secrets of the largest animal on earth.

Wetland Ecosystem Team working with Long Live the Kings on habitat restoration project

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In a new blog by Long Live the Kings, they explore the preliminary findings of post-restoration monitoring undertaken by the UW Wetland Ecosystem Team at a habitat restoration project at Vigor Shipyards, which was completed in the Spring of 2023.

Long Live the Kings + Wetland Ecosystem Team
Preliminary data shows that the team captured more fish in sampling efforts this year than they did in 2021 when comparing fish densities within the nets.

Monitoring efforts measure fish presence and density, insect abundance, and fish feeding habits within the newly restored area. The team also monitors nearby Jack Block Park, which represents a more natural shoreline not being restored to use as a reference and comparison for the team’s measurements. Similar monitoring efforts were conducted in 2021, before the new habitat was constructed, so the team would have a baseline to compare to.

The goal of restoring habitat is to provide higher quality food for juvenile salmon as they migrate to the ocean, enabling them to grow larger and have a better chance of survival. If the results show that salmon are using the habitat for resting and feeding, it will be a good indication that more “salmon rest stops” could help salmon in the Duwamish estuary.

Read the full blog by Long Live the Kings

Hiring for SAFS Teaching Assistant for duties in Winter Quarter 2025

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The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) is hiring a Teaching Assistant for duties in Winter Quarter 2025

 Course: FISH 464A Arctic Marine Vertebrate Ecology

Instructor: Kristin Laidre

Dates: December 16, 2024 – March 15, 2025

Compensation: Position is 50% FTE; salary is commensurate with academic standing

(ASE salary schedule: https://facstaff.grad.uw.edu/advising-resources/funding-management/administering-assistantships/ta-ra-salaries/)

Deadline to Apply: NOVEMBER 6, 2024. Priority consideration given to applications received by this date. Applications will be accepted after this date if the position remains unfilled

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Explores the structure and function of Arctic ecosystems, life history, and adaptations of vertebrates, and how species are affected by climate warming. Emphasizes upper-level trophic interactions, evolutionary drivers, food chains, energy transport paths, and influence of sea ice. Case studies provide background on Arctic conservation and management. Prerequisite: BIOL 180.

TO APPLY:

To apply, complete application form* here and upload the following additional documents (under one cover, with course name and number and your full name in the document’s title):

  1. Cover letter – include description of your general background, why you are applying for this ASE position, strengths and any abilities directly related to the specific course(s) that you would bring to the position, etc.
  2. Current resumé
  3. Name, title, and contact information (email, phone number) for three references who are familiar with your teaching abilities and/or knowledge and experience relevant to the content of the course(s) for which you are applying.

*To access the form, log in using your @uw.edu address (https://mail.google.com/a/uw.edu).

Full position description here. Questions may be directed to safsadv@uw.edu.

Giant fish keep washing up in Oregon

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In a new video created by the Burke Museum, Fish Collections Manager Katherine Maslenikov takes us behind the scenes to answer questions about the giant bizarre Sunfish washing up on the shores of Oregon. Where are these fish coming from? What do they eat to get so large? Why are they the “pinnacle of fish evolution”?

Visit the Burke Museum YouTube channel