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This position will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects studies focusing on questions in veterinary epidemiology, animal health, food safety, microbiology and laboratory methods. General responsibilities include: Lab management, coordination and planning of research projects, which includes field and laboratory work, manuscript writing. It will be necessary to occasionally work odd hours as necessary to conduct farm visits and meet deadlines. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and detail-oriented, and have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team to ensure that lab operations run smoothly.

Research (90%):

Research activities including:
collaborate/assist the PI and/or staff researcher with study design, implement and conduct research on food safety and agricultural environments that include dairy farm environments. The junior specialist will coordinate with collaborative stakeholders (e.g., farmers, ranchers and other industry and governmental partners) in the implementation of field work, sampling of biological samples and summarize research findings.

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

Laboratory activities including:
Organization, development of microbiological and molecular protocols, and protocol troubleshooting. Laboratory testing such as traditional microbiological culture and PCR testing. Processing environmental and animal samples (e.g., fecal samples, manure, soil, water, produce, etc.). from field projects, detection of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter) and indicator bacteria using standard microbiological and molecular procedures.

Purchasing project supplies and equipment, troubleshooting data collection and protocols, managing and submitting receipts, and overall logistical support for experiments.
Coordinating with IACUC and other agencies for project regulatory approval, managing regulatory requirements and communicating project protocols to team members and regulatory agents.
Coordinating with analytical labs, preparing supplies and field set up, assist with sampling, post sampling processing, shipping samples, coordinating with data services.
Help manage, guide and coordinate interns as needed.
Coordinating and conducting poultry husbandry activities as needed (this includes overseeing or performing tasks such as poultry health inspections, providing feed and water, sanitizing equipment)

Professional Competency and Activity (5%):
Participating in lab meetings and journal clubs. Summarize and present findings in internal lab meetings and stakeholder meetings.

University and Public Service (5%):
Candidate will participate in various outreach efforts on campus and off associated with the Dairy Epi lab (Aly Lab) focused on University and public service outreach and extension with a focus on topics related to their research. Examples include USDA sponsored workshops for farmers and other relevant stakeholders on food safety, production efficiency etc. There will be opportunity for mentorship of undergraduate students working in the laboratory.

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.