Location Headquarters:  University of California, Davis, CA

Position Overview

 Purpose:

 The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to research or creative projects. The candidate will possess the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. They will oversee existing research projects, write grants for new projects and develop curriculum for extension outreach workshops. The candidate will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

 RESEARCH

Research Activity (50%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of dairy manure nutrient management and conservation. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she will carry out existing projects and design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate will mentor students, junior specialists, staff research associates or Farm Advisors.

Publication (20%)
The candidate will publish 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 Acquisition (10%)
The candidate will assist the PI in acquiring grants from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)
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 UC ANR academics.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10%)

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.

Reporting Relationship: The Project Scientist is administratively responsible to Livestock Waste Management Specialist.

Salary & Benefits

SALARY:  Beginning salary will be in the Assistant-Associate Project Scientist Rank – Salary range $68,400 - $91,400 (up to Associate Step 3).   For information regarding the Project Scientist series salary scales, please refer to https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022-23/july-2022-salary-scales/t37-b.pdf. This is a represented position.  Placement within either rank/step will depend on experience.

The Assistant-Associate Project Scientist position is a definite term appointment.  The position is a one-year renewable term appointment with a merit cycle every two years.  The performance in the position will be evaluated annually.  The position will be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications

• An earned Ph.D. in Agroecology, Dairy or Animal Science, Soil Science or Crop Science, or Biological and Agricultural Engineering or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.
• Possess a strong foundation in dairy nutrition or manure management and/or use of nutrients on agronomic crops associated with dairy production.
• Diverse understanding of nitrogen and carbon cycles.
• Strong quantitative skills.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours.
• Expectation to be available to work onsite on any day.
• to work long days when necessary.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. to shoulder height.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with understanding variability of nutrient composition and effect of temperature and climate on nitrogen metabolism and loss pathways in manure.
• Working knowledge of statistical analytical packages to perform temporal analyses and compare different management schemes.
• Experience leading diverse groups of individuals in varied projects.
• Experience in executing grant objectives and providing deliverables.

Skills Required:   To be successful, a Project Scientist requires skills in the following:

Technical Competence and Impact

• Interact with collaborating scientists to achieve project objectives.
• Collect and analyze data for agency reporting and journal publications Participate in extension education and outreach activities.

Communication

• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills.
• Skills to communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences are required.
• Participation in professional societies and conferences and ability to give presentations at seminars and continuing education functions.

Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others.
• Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.
• Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lifelong Learning

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person.

About UC ANR

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) consists of a network of scientists and educators working in partnership across the California. We are committed to developing and supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities, and healthy Californians. UC ANR administers UC Cooperative Extension UCCE), which is responsible for program development and delivery in the counties throughout the state of California.

Learn more about

• UC ANR at https://UCANR.edu
• UC Davis Department of Animal Science https://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/ and the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program https://cdqap.org/
• Our Strategic Initiatives http://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/
• Our Public Value statements at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Divisionwide_Planning/UC_ANR_Public_Values/
• Affirmative Action: Further to the above, all UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to affirmative action. Learn more of UC ANR Affirmative Action policy: http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Diversity/Affirmative_Action/
• The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.