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Junior Specialist -- Horwath Biogeochemistry and Nutrient Cycling Lab (Dept of LAWR at UC Davis)

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Position overview

Salary range: Step 1, $46,800 annually [100%] plus benefits.

Position description

Junior Specialist Opportunity at University of California, Davis
PI: Dr. Xia Zhu-Barker
Dept of LAWR, Horwath Biogeochemistry and Nutrient Cycling Lab, http://horwathlab.lawr.ucdavis.edu/

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Soil Biogeochemistry and Nutrient Cycling team starting June 2022. The successful candidate will support our team working on projects related to sustainable soil management (e.g., cover cropping and compost application) and soil health in various specialty crop production systems as well as in dairy production systems in California. The Junior Specialist will work closely with graduate students, extension specialists, postdoc scholars and growers to support our investigation of resource use efficiency and climate change mitigation potential of the practices of winter cover cropping, compost application and dairy digester effluents land application. The successful candidate will assist with: 1) field collection of soil, liquid, plant and gas samples, 2) lab analysis of chemical and physical soil health indicators and dairy manure, 3) writing and presentation of results to scientific community and stakeholders.


RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Research in specialized areas (90%)

45% Lab analysis include preparation of field equipment to be used for sampling
• Prepare exetainers, labels, date sheets, needles, syringes, thermometry and replacement chamber parts for field gas sampling.

• Prepare supplies for soil, liquid and plant sampling as required
• Conduct soil C and N pools, pH and moisture analysis
• Conduct Plant biomass and nutrient (N) analysis
• Analyze gas samples using gas chrometerography (GC)
• Analyze, synthesize, and manage collected data
• Conduct lab safety training for new members
• Maintain lab equipment and general lab organization

40% Field work
• Semi-regular soil, liquid and plant sampling in crop systems (4+ times per month)
• Chamber based gas flux measurements: set-up, associated factors measured (temp primarily, but also management and field condition notes), take gas samples from chambers placed on soil, soil samples taken (weekly or biweekly or more).
• Soil health factors: composite sampling in the field for other soil health indicators (annually)
• Soil physical properties: bulk density, infiltration, aggregate stability, etc.

5% Literature Review and Writing
• Conduct literature search for relevant articles to soil biogeochemistry, soil health and nutrient cycling.
• Work with PIs, graduate students and other members in the research team to plan and execute research projects
• Participate in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results
• Help write and review manuscripts for journal publication

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)
The Junior Specialist will be encouraged to participate local meetings, scientific discussions and seminars and co-author posters with a focus on topics relevant to the project.

III. University and Public Service (5%)
The Junior Specialist will provide mentorship for undergraduate students working in the laboratory and communicate with our stakeholders


CONTACT
For further information about the position, email any questions to Dr. Xia Zhu-Barker (wyjzhu@ucdavis.edu) with " Jr. Specialist position at UC Davis" in the subject line.

The positions will remain open until filled with a preferred start date of 06/01/2022.

Department: https://lawr.ucdavis.edu/
Lab: http://horwathlab.lawr.ucdavis.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor of Science in Soil Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or related discipline from an accredited US or international institution.


[Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience. The University will not appoint postdoctoral scholars or individuals with advanced degrees or three plus years of relevant work experience as Junior Specialists.]

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Effective communication skills
  • Experience working in a laboratory and in the field.
  • Experience in Word and Excel or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyzer data
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
  • Strong organizational skills,
  • Experience in lab and field based chemical and physical analysis based on established protocols,
  • Experience in synthesizing of data based on instruction of the Principal Investigator or their designee(s),
  • Ability to use computer-based equipment to run analysis and synthesize data,
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team,
  • Time management and planning—to assure deadlines are met and field and lab-based work is completed and delivered to the PI.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter (one page): - outlining your interest and qualifications, as well as your experience relevant to this position.

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04813

Help contact: anlee@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly 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 achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

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

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Davis, CA [position available: 1, possibly 2]