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NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the
Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

Headquartered at UC Davis, the Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics (CIG) supports the development and dissemination of community-accessible software for the international geodynamics research community. CIG software supports a variety of geodynamic research from mantle and core dynamics to crustal and earthquake dynamics, to magma migration and seismology. Software developed is made available to the public under open-source software licenses. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), CIG is a community-governed
organization that is committed to supporting the geodynamics community through community participation across this research spectrum.

The Assistant Specialist is part of the CIG Headquarters team and is responsible for implementing best practices for open source software through contributions to software development and outreach initiatives. The Assistance Specialist receives guidance from the CIG Co-Director at UC Davis or designees but works independently in executing their duties.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH (85%)
Research activity (65%)
This position supports the organization’s software best practices through the design, development, testing and maintenance of CIG community software. The Specialist collaborates with internal and external teams in writing, updating, and reviewing code; troubleshooting issues and testing. The Specialist uses their expertise in software engineering and development using modern tools and established scientific software languages in selecting appropriate methods and techniques.
Specifically, the Assistant Specialist will be responsible for and may serve in leadership roles in:
• Engaging in the development and execution of joint research activities that utilize, test, and extend project products. This includes new algorithms and improvements for the use of particle algorithms in ASPECT and associated libraries, and development to support reuse and reproducibility in visualizations and workflows.
• Supporting community best practices in continuous integration and testing through the design, development and testing in support of development workflows. This includes containerization and GitHub automations.
• Supporting new code communities to meet community standards for contribution.
• Contributing to CIG’s education and training efforts through development, testing and deployment of materials.
• Monitoring technical support tickets, responding to and/or escalating community comments and requests in a timely and appropriate manner.
The Assistant Specialist is expected to maintain expertise in best practices for software engineering and the methodologies and tools necessary for the successful execution of project goals.
Publication (10%)
The candidate may publish research results in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (10%)
The candidate may assist in the preparation of proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY (10%)
The candidate may participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field and may serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate may attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may
coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The candidate may maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise. They may participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

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

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

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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