Assistant Project Scientist-Meyer Lab

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their academic discipline. The appointee possesses subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. They will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH

Research Activity (65%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of greenhouse gas emissions measurement in existing and modified dairy manure management systems as well as nutrient management opportunity evaluations. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator and collaborators. They will carry out existing projects and design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate may work with or mentor students, junior specialists, staff research associates or other academics. They should have a strong foundation in air quality or environmental monitoring or dairy nutrition or manure management and/or use of nutrients on agronomic crops associated with dairy production or similar systems approach to resource management.

We seek a candidate with a diverse understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycles and strong quantitative skills. The candidate will work with various projects related to determining on-farm emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases, volatile solids and nitrogen flows through dairy cattle production areas and into cropping systems. Primary work will be conducted on up to two commercial dairy operations.

The candidate should have experience with understanding air quality or other environmental monitoring techniques, variability of nutrient composition and effect of temperature and climate on carbon and nitrogen metabolism and loss pathways heterogenous waste stream. Open Path FTIR is used for gaseous measurements, and a weather station is present. The candidate should have a working knowledge of statistical analytical packages to perform temporal analyses and compare as best as possible between different management schemes.

Publication (14%)

The candidate will assist in publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team. The candidate should have a track record of leading scientific papers with co-authors of varied backgrounds.

Grant Management (14%)

The candidate will assist the PI in compliance with grant reporting needs will prepare and assist in the preparation of modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and regional or national conferences appropriate to work being conducted and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend and when appropriate run project meetings with project teams. The candidate will present research results to collaborators as needed and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups.

When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions involving University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources academics.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2%)

Outreach

The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies.

PhD in Animal Science, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Air Quality, Plant or Environmental Sciences or related field with skill set required

Valid driver's license with no driving restrictions.

Must speak and write fluent English in order to communicate with project associates

Must be able to lift 40 pounds and carry 10 feet.

Demonstrated experience with handling data in spreadsheets and statistical analysis (SAS or R)

Willingness and interest to learn new techniques and to work in an applied setting on dairy farms.

Demonstrated computer skills in word processing, data analysis, and statistical software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SAS and/or R and troubleshooting experience.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse team from different backgrounds and with varying skill levels for the purpose of assisting/teaching/supervising.

Ability to conduct library and database searches and synthesize acquired knowledge effectively in writing and apply it to research processes.

Ability to conduct field work outside (year-round) on commercial dairy operations (hot conditions prevail in summer; rain or fog is possible in winter). Ability to work occasional weekends, evenings or holidays.

Science communication with various audiences and members of the dairy industry

Experience working on commercial dairy facilities.

Spanish speaking desirable.

• 3-5 letters of reference required

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

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