Assistant Project Scientist_Postharvest Center_Blanco-Ulate Recruitment

The UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Center seeks a Project Scientist - Associate Director of Research to lead and support research, outreach, and innovation in postharvest science for a wide range of fresh and dry commodities. Reporting to the Center Co-Directors, the Project Scientist position designs and manages studies on quality, physiology, safety, storage, and handling, utilizing advanced postharvest technologies, and developing protocols that meet industry needs. The Project Scientist will promote collaboration and ensuring high-quality data collection across laboratory, field, and controlled-environment projects. Mentor staff and student researchers, publish results, contribute to grant proposals. The Project Scientist will serve as a technical liaison with industry, commodity boards, and public agencies by providing evidence-based recommendations. Will represent the Center at professional conferences, industry events, and outreach efforts. The successful candidate will create educational materials and assist in the Center's strategic planning and program development and public agencies.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (80%)

Research activity (60%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of advancing applied research, extension, and innovation in postharvest science. This position requires specialized expertise across a wide range of commodities (fresh and dry), with direct relevance to the California and U.S. produce industry. The candidate will conceive, plan, and execute research projects related to postharvest quality, physiology, handling, and storage for a broad range of commodities. They will apply advanced postharvest technologies (e.g., controlled atmosphere systems, spectral imaging, physiological sensors) to evaluate and improve produce quality, safety, and shelf life. The candidate will develop and optimize experimental methodologies for postharvest evaluations, including maturity and quality indices, storage trials, physiological disorder assessments, and microbial safety evaluations.

The candidate will lead and mentor junior specialists, undergraduate students, and technical staff in research methods, data collection, and analysis. The candidate will coordinate and integrate laboratory, field, and controlled-environment experiments, ensuring reproducibility and rigorous quality control. The candidate will engage in collaborative, multi-disciplinary research with other UC Davis scientists, UC ANR academics, and industry partners.

Publication (15%)

The candidate will publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, extension bulletins, fact sheets, and industry-oriented publications. The candidate will produce high-quality outreach materials, including web-based resources, instructional videos, and workshop presentations. The candidate will ensure proper attribution and authorship for contributing staff and collaborators.

Grant Acquisition (5%)

The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will assist in identifying funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources to support postharvest research and infrastructure. The candidate will contribute to and lead sections of grant proposals, including experimental design, budget justifications, and impact statements. The candidate will prepare progress reports for funding agencies and coordinate technical and financial reporting requirements.

I. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (15%)

The candidate will represent the Postharvest Center at professional conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings. The candidate will serve as a reviewer for grant proposals and journal manuscripts in relevant disciplines. The candidate will stay current on emerging issues, innovations, and regulations in postharvest handling, food safety, and quality standards.

The candidate will deliver technical presentations, webinars, and demonstrations to scientific, industry, and extension audiences. The candidate will contribute to the planning and content development for Postharvest Center workshops, symposia, and special events.

II. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate will serve on departmental and campus committees as appropriate. The candidate will provide evidence-based recommendations to growers, shippers, processors, and marketers to improve postharvest outcomes. The candidate will assist in maintaining and expanding the Postharvest Center's outreach platforms, including newsletters, social media, and online resources.

The candidate will engage in University service activities such as provide guest lectures or participate in seminars relevant to postharvest biology and technology.

A. Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Food Science, or a closely related field (degree must be obtained at time of appointment).

B. Demonstrated expertise in postharvest physiology, quality evaluation, and storage of horticultural commodities (fresh and/or dry).

C. Experience designing, conducting, and analyzing laboratory, field, or controlled-environment experiments, with documented publication of results in peer-reviewed journals or industry reports.

D. Proven ability to lead and mentor research staff and/or students, and to coordinate multi-project research activities.

E. Excellent written and oral communication skills for scientific, industry, and public audiences, and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

F. At least two years of postdoctoral or equivalent post-Ph.D. research experience in postharvest biology, horticulture, or a closely related discipline.

G. Experience with a broad range of commodities, including both fresh produce and dry products (e.g., nuts, grains, pulses).

H. Proficiency in statistical analysis and data management using R, Python, or comparable tools.

I. Demonstrated success in securing or contributing to competitive grant proposals and managing research budgets.

J. Knowledge of food safety regulations, quality standards, and postharvest supply chain logistics, with experience engaging industry and commodity boards.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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