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This position provides technical, scientific, and organizational assistance to Dr. Richard Blatchford’s research in poultry behavior and welfare in the Department of Animal Science. The Blatchford lab focuses on the understanding of management effects on poultry as well as mitigation of problem areas to improve the welfare of poultry. This research often has direct application to improve commercial and small-scale production systems.

Research 90%
The Junior Specialist will be required to perform a diverse set of behavioral research methods, work with radiological equipment, maintain accurate and organized datasets, and effectively allocate work time between diverse tasks. Resourcefulness, strong attention to detail, openness to feedback, and the ability to adapt fluidly as research projects progress will be important for success. The candidate should have an understanding of poultry production and/or fundamental behavioral and physiological concepts as they pertain to poultry management. Technical skills developed in this position include the proper set up of video equipment, use of x-ray and related equipment, mastery of behavioral observation software, and husbandry skills for large research flocks. The Junior Specialist is expected to travel to remote farm locations, both domestic and international, for data collection.

The Junior Specialist will analyze data according to established protocols and assist the PI in formatting data for reports and manuscripts. They will write and edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s); conduct peer-reviewed literature searches related to developing projects; collaborate with other members of the lab and other researchers when appropriate. They will be able to effectively communicate with a diverse array of colleagues in written and verbal form.

The Junior Specialist will assist the PI in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space. They will track inventory of all equipment, both in the lab and at field sites. They will help the lab manager ensure that supplies are well -stocked and order supplies as needed, recording all expenses. They will keep track of chemical and safety records.
Successful candidates will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a desire to learn from and work with other lab members. Junior specialists in the Blatchford lab often move on to be successful graduate students or veterinary students and are often co-authors on contributed manuscripts. Ability to work independently is a must.

Professional Competence 5%
The Junior Specialist will contribute to scholarly manuscripts through data collection and analysis, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with manuscript preparations. Participation in professional society conferences will also be encouraged for original work completed by the Junior Specialist.

University and Public Service 5%
The Junior Specialist will participate in training and overseeing undergraduate student assistants as well as instructing and training visiting scholars, graduate students, staff, and volunteers in laboratory procedures.

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program

In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

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.
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• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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