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The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the 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), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she 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 (90%)
This candidate is required to make creative contributions to the ecology and conservation of fishes in the San Francisco Estuary, with an emphasis in the design and execution of field surveys to describe spatiotemporal variation in the distributions for larval and adult age classes, the use of otoliths to reconstruct daily and annual ages and growth histories, and analysis of otolith geochemistry (trace elements and isotopes) to reconstruct past movement patterns and habitat use.

The candidate will be expected to:

1. Devise and conduct studies to determine:
   • The relative distribution, abundance, habitat use of fishes and invertebrates throughout the San Francisco Estuary in relation to environmental conditions, variation in climate, operations of dams and water export facilities, operation of wastewater treatment facilities, and on-going wetland restoration efforts. Studies are to employ well-designed field surveys that can be linked synergistically with long-term monitoring efforts to expand upon existing models of habitat use and suitability for numerous aquatic organisms in the San Francisco Estuary.
   • The age structure and growth history of larval and adult fishes in the San Francisco Estuary; data which can be used to parameterized stock-recruitment models, individual-based models, structured decision making models, and risk-assessment models that inform fisheries management, operation of dams and water export facilities in the Sacramento River Delta, and habitat restoration and conservation efforts throughout the San Francisco Estuary. Studies are to employ detailed analysis of otoliths using macrostructure and microstructure imaging techniques, as well as controlled laboratory studies to calibrate and validate these approaches.
   • Advance the field of fish otolith geochemical research and its application. The movement patterns, life-history complexity, and condition (e.g., feeding and
   reproduction) of fishes in the San Francisco Estuary to inform operation of dams and water export facilities, as well as conservation and habitat restoration efforts. Studies are to use laboratory-based approaches, specifically laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to examine concentrations of elements and their ratios in otoliths and other bony parts of fishes.

2. Collect, summarize, and analyze data.
   • The candidate will use standard analytical approaches including generalized linear and additive mixed effects models, multivariate approaches, time-series clustering, etc., using R statistical software.

3. Publishing.
   • The candidate will publish research results in prestigious peer-reviewed journals as lead and senior author. Leading journals might include Ecology, Fisheries, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Marine Ecology Progress Series, and Journal of Fish Biology.

4. Reporting.
   • The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of progress reports and technical reports to grant sponsors to satisfy contract requirements.

5. Grant Acquisition & Management.
   • Under guidance from the PI, the candidate will assist in writing proposals and acquiring state and federal funding to support the lab’s research program in fisheries science and conservation.

Other research duties include:
• Manage research projects and budgets according to sound management principles
• Lead and mentor students and employees paid to work on funded researcher projects.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and give research presentations at national and international scientific meetings. When appropriate, the candidate may be requested to coordinate seminars and laboratory meetings.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
University and Public Service is required for the Associate and Full Title ranks. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service.
Teaching full classroom courses is not an expectation of this position. The candidate will also engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals or public agencies.

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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.