Junior Specialist - Pires

Position Description

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects and studies focusing on questions in microbiology, food safety, veterinary epidemiology, animal health and laboratory methods. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Alda Pires.

It will be necessary to occasionally work odd hours as necessary to conduct farm visits and meet deadlines. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

I. RESEARCH (80% EFFORT)

General responsibilities include: Coordination and planning of research projects, lab management which includes field and laboratory work, report manuscript and grant writing.

Research activities include collaborate/assist the PI and/or Graduate Assistant Researcher and/or Post-doctoral researcher with study design, implement and conduct research on food safety, agricultural environments, including fresh produce and tree nuts farms, livestock farms and related supporting industry. Coordinate with collaborative stakeholders (e.g., researchers, farmers, ranchers and other industry and governmental partners) the implementation of field work, sampling of biological samples and summarize research findings.

Perform laboratory activities including organization, development of microbiological and molecular protocols, and protocol troubleshooting. Laboratory testing such as traditional microbiological culture and PCR testing. Process environmental and animal samples (e.g., fecal samples, manure, soil, water, plant tissues, air, soil amendments, etc.) from field projects, detection of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter) and indicator bacteria using standard microbiological and molecular procedures. Purchase project supplies and equipment, troubleshooting data collection and protocols, managing and submitting receipts, and overall logistical support for experiments. Mentor undergraduate students working in the laboratory.

Communicate with stakeholders and participating clientele/farmers. Create and maintain databases of data from research projects. Conduct statistical analyses and summarize the findings in progress reports, manuscripts and grants. Participate in writing and publication of manuscripts in collaboration with PI and other lab members.

Coordinate with IACUC and other agencies for project regulatory approval, managing regulatory requirements and communicating project protocols to team members and regulatory agents.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (15% EFFORT)

Summarize and present findings in internal lab meetings and stakeholder meetings. Participate in writing and publication of manuscripts in collaboration with the PI and/or Graduate Assistant Researcher and/or the Post-doctoral researcher.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

Mentor undergraduate students in different laboratory and field activities. Candidate will participate in various outreach efforts on campus and off associated with the Pires lab focused on University and public service outreach and extension with a focus on topics related to lab research. Examples include outreach efforts targeting farmers and other relevant stakeholders on food safety, soil amendments use, etc.

Basic qualifications: (required at time of application)

* A Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Medical Biology, or a related field by the time of the appointment.

* Laboratory experience (microbiology and molecular techniques)

* Prior research experience in specialized areas (food safety, agricultural environments, including fresh produce and tree nuts farms)

* Valid Driver's License

Additional qualifications

* Evidence of professional competence and activity.

* Evidence of university and/or public service.

* Evidence of strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

* Evidence of excellence in communication skills with proficiency in both written and verbal English.

* Evidence of ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

* Commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusivity, within the department, the university, and across the broader academic community.

• 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

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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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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