Social Science Investigator, SPASAK Project in Alaska

Social Science Investigator, SPASAK Project - Wildlife Conservation Society - Alaska - work from home job Company: Wildlife Conservation Society Job description: Department GLOBAL CONSERVATION Job Description Location: Alaska (Fairbanks or Anchorage) Type: Full-Time Fixed Term (up to August 2025) Travel: Monthly travel to project communities, project meetings and scientific conferences. Program Overview: Objective of the SPASAK project is to pilot participatory SARS-CoV-2 animal surveillance with underserved Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Alaska using approaches that empower these communities to fully participate in disease surveillance (hunted animals, peri-domestic small mammals, domestic dogs, and wastewater), investigations, result communication, and potential response measures. Integrating social science methods will support the co-development of a scientifically, socially, and culturally acceptable surveillance system, from sampling to communication of findings, to participatory investigations on spillover mechanisms and interventions. Combining Indigenous knowledge with scientific understanding improves wildlife surveillance and advances Indigenous Peoples' (IP) self-determination in research, while creating mutual animal and human health benefits. Given past negative impacts on health determinants of Indigenous communities as a result of poorly designed outreach and communication on contaminants in traditional foods, attention will be given to safeguarding the cultural, socioeconomic, and nutritional dimensions of Indigenous rights and food security when discussing, studying, and addressing zoonotic risks. To address this transboundary challenge our team brings together leading experts on community-based wildlife surveillance from the U.S. and Canada. We will supplement focal community SARS-CoV-2 surveillance with opportunistic animal testing (archival samples, stranding events, wildlife management, working dogs, and research studies). Wildlife and domestic dogs will be screened for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (swab samples) and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (blood/sera) to assess SARS-CoV-2 presence/absence and exposure and estimate apparent prevalence. Full sequencing of genomes from RNA positives will identify variants and analyze mutational signatures and phylogenies for epidemiological links. Implementation of cost-effective wastewater surveillance with communities will identify trends in positivity and monitor for emergence and circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The target audience is underserved Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations living along a rural-to-peri-urban gradient in boreal and Arctic biomes of Alaska, as well as local, state, and federal agencies and researchers spanning the human, animal, and environmental sectors working to understand the implications of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife. Job Summary: This position will lead on a participatory community research project focused on wildlife disease surveillance in the Alaskan Arctic for the SARS-CoV-2 Participatory Animal Surveillance in Alaska (SPASAK). Candidate will have experience working in and with Alaska Native communities on issues related to food security and wildlife health along with interests in co-production of knowledge, weaving Indigenous and western science, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and applying social science to conservation contexts. This position will work closely with the Postdoctoral Surveillance Coordinator, SPASAK Project. WCS is partnering with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the North Slope Borough (NSB), and WCS Canada on the project, which is supported through a USDA APHIS American Rescue Plan: SARS-CoV-2 in Animals cooperative agreement. The Principal Investigator (PI) on the project is Dr. Sarah Olson (WCS Health), with Co-PIs as follows: Dr. Eric Bortz (UAA); Dr. Amanda Bishop (UAA); Dr. Cristina Hansen (UAF); and Dr. Raphaela Stimmelmayr (NSB). The Social Science Investigator will work on a participatory community research project focused on wildlife disease surveillance across Alaska. The Investigator will collaborate with community members, local and state agencies, and other partners to co-design a project, implement research activities, and support the development of capacity and knowledge-sharing mechanisms for sustainable and equitable community-led research. The position requires a range of skills, including trans-disciplinary teamwork, data collection and analysis and an understanding of drivers of emerging infectious diseases of wildlife origin, including the importance of integrating the social and public health implications. Depending on qualifications, this position will receive graduate student or research affiliate status at UAA/UAF. The position can be adapted to the candidate's educational level, experience, and interests. Candidates with experience living in Alaska Native communities and/or working closely with IP and Indigenous knowledge systems are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities: • In collaboration with communities, government agencies, and other partners, apply social science methodologies to co-design, research, and implement a participatory research project around wildlife disease surveillance and weaving Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Project can be adapted to candidate and community interests, but a possible focus is understanding wildlife disease and social/public health implications through both Indigenous and Western lenses (Two-Eyed Seeing approach) • Contribute to the development of technical protocols for sample and data collection and submission of related IACUC and IRB applications. • Support the Postdoctoral Surveillance Coordinator of the SPASAK Project in strategic surveillance research to help the SPASAK project meet the following sub-objectives to conduct animal surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. Objectives include implementation of participatory community surveillance of wild/domestic animals and wastewater, as well as development of state-wide opportunistic and archival surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife. • Ensure human research implementation follows the highest international standards in ethics and social safeguarding mechanisms for IP and Local Communities (LCs). • Standardize data collection and management. Learn data analyses to support project deliverables. Analyze and synthesize social science data and generate evidence and recommendations for improving wildlife disease surveillance and management in the Alaskan Arctic. Communicate research findings to relevant stakeholders and audiences. • Support the development of capacity and knowledge-sharing mechanisms for community-led wildlife disease surveillance, including through engagement, training, and mentoring of community members and partners. • Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present at relevant conferences and meetings. Contribute other media products for popular audiences regarding this project, wildlife health, public health, and conservation. • Support technical reports relevant to the project in a timeframe and format as required by USDA APHIS. • Participate in project coordination calls, and project-related public speaking and public relations work. • Develop and build collaborative relationships in Alaska, and the region, to promote multidisciplinary approaches to wildlife conservation and meet wildlife health challenges. Contribute to the development of proposals and funding applications for future research and capacity-building activities related to wildlife disease surveillance and management in the Alaskan Arctic. Qualification Requirements • Ideal candidates should have at least a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 1-2 years of relevant field/research experience (paid or unpaid) in social science, wildlife conservation, public health, epidemiology, environmental science, interdisciplinary science, or a related field. Candidates with graduate degrees in a relevant field who seek additional research experience are welcome. • Experience or a strong interest in qualitative and quantitative social science data collection and analysis. • Preferred experience living in Alaska Native communities and/or working closely with Indigenous residents and leaders. Ideally with educational, research, or lived experience related to food security, wildlife/animal disease, and/or community health programs. • Ability to multi-task and engage with a multidisciplinary international team. • Comfortable working in complex traditional and diverse cultural settings; an ability to adapt approaches to local cultures and project situations, while maintaining a high professional standard. • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills. • English fluency (written and spoken). Ability to speak Iñupiaq, Yup'ik, Łingít, or other Alaska Native language is a plus. • The willingness to work flexible hours that may include weekends and public holidays. • The willingness and ability to travel to remote field sites in both countries, and occasionally other locations e.g. laboratories or conferences, as needed to meet project deliverables. • Respect for WCS's goal, mission, and vision, and an ability to integrate WCS Core Values (respect, accountability & transparency, innovation, diversity, equity, & inclusion, collaboration, and integrity) into your work. WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations. Opportunity Type Global Conservation Full-Time Salary Range $54,000-$60,000 Date Posted 02-Aug-2023 Expected salary: $54000 - 60000 per year Location: Alaska Job date: Fri, 04 Aug 2023 05:49:02 GMT Apply for the job now! Apply tot his job Apply To this Job