Research Scientist 2 (Biology)

Description

Duties Description

Under supervision of a Research Scientist 3, incumbents will assist with wildlife disease research, surveillance, prevention, and response, with a focus on forensics and pathology. Incumbents will conduct wildlife health-related research projects including determining methods and interpreting research results, and development of new research methods and protocols, as needed. Following the One Health paradigm they will work with federal, state, local government, and university partners on disease surveillance, response, and research, including drafting sections of or completing reports and research papers and presenting research findings to supervisors, higher-level staff, and other professional peers. Incumbents will also assist the Research Scientist 3 with the development of a One Health Laboratory, Research, and Training Center. They will supervise technicians and other support staff.

• Wildlife Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Response: Serve as key points of contact for wildlife health related research. Incumbents be part of a team of Wildlife Health Program (WHP) staff and partners at the Cornell AHDC to identify objectives for wildlife health research, and to compile, analyze, and publish wildlife disease data for lay and professional audiences. Act as primary or co-author when publishing findings via professional and lay publications, and present findings in public forums and at professional meetings.
  
  

Perform gross necropsies on birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, record biological data, order ancillary testing for diagnosis or surveillance, and determine final diagnosis. Coordinate statewide CWD sample collection and data management. Assist with surveillance, case management and reporting, develop and implement disease sampling protocols, and participate in broader collaboration with state, regional, and national efforts. Assist with coordination of various wildlife health trainings including Chemical immobilization (5-year cycle), staff wildlife disease response (3-year cycle) and provide similar training to sister Divisions/agencies as needed. Work with partners at the Cornell AHDC to develop and update surveillance and response plans and information and outreach materials related to wildlife diseases and work with Agency communications staff to release timely information about wildlife diseases/pathogens of public concern. (70%)

• Assist with Development of a One Health laboratory, research, and training center: Assist the Research Scientist 3 with DEC’s planning effort for a One Health Environmental Research Laboratory and Training Center. Work across DEC’s fish and wildlife health related programs (i.e., wildlife health, fish disease, ecotoxicology) and with partner divisions (Air, Water, Lands and Forests, Environmental Remediation), agencies and organizations (AGM, DOH, AHDC) to identify shared needs and opportunities. (5%)
• Technical and Policy Support: Advise DEC and provide technical guidance and policy support on emerging wildlife diseases of interest (RHDV, CWD, HPAI, etc.) and provide input to the agency and state and non-government partners on matters relating to disease research, surveillance, wildlife handling protocols, wildlife rehabilitation standards, and related employee safety measures in place, needing revision, or development. Serve as wildlife health liaisons on Bureau of Wildlife Management Teams. (5%)
• Assist with Administration of Wildlife Health Program (WHP): Contribute to the development of grants, contracts, agreements, budgets, and associated reporting necessary to ensure wildlife health research and monitoring activities occur. This includes contract, grant, and budgeting work associated with the One Health Initiative and associated lab renovations or construction. (10%)
• Oversee the Wildlife Health Lab and the Wildlife Resources Center (WRC): Assist the Research Scientist 3 with supervising the maintenance of and improvements to the WRC facility, as well as directly supervising technical and support staff (e.g., technicians, maintenance assistants). Supervision includes developing and updating performance programs, conducting annual evaluations, and providing opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Ensure staff comply with the administrative standards and procedures required of all agency personnel, including but not limited to agency time/activity policies, timely completion of timecards and expense accounts, and completion of required training. (10%)
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and three years of professional research experience in wildlife health or a related field (e.g., biology, zoology, veterinary science, and/or wildlife pathology, toxicology, or wildlife forensic science). Training and experience solely related to human or domestic animal pathology is not in itself qualifying but can be used to supplement wildlife pathology or wildlife toxicology training and experience. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience and a Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Regular travel between DEC’s Wildlife Health Lab, regional offices, and Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) is expected, and a valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred qualifications: The candidates should have a strong knowledge of wildlife diseases, wildlife anatomy and physiology, wildlife necropsy, and wildlife forensics, including understanding of toxicological impacts on wildlife species. In addition, the candidates should have knowledge of standard methods for the preparation and preservation of biological tissues for diagnostic testing, knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices, knowledge of laboratory safety practices and procedures, and knowledge of field biology data collection.

Candidates are expected to have computer skills including word processing and spreadsheets and should be a capable public speaker. Candidates should also have experience with scientific research design, data collection, and the ability to function as a member of a research team including identifying new research needs and appropriate methods of investigation, directing and reviewing the work of others, and contributing to scientific publications. The candidates should also be able to use scientific data to make defensible recommendations and decisions to minimize disease risk and address disease presence.

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.

Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

Must be able to work in remote areas.

Travel may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Must be able to lift and move objects up to 40 pounds.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
  
  

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.