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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.

JOB SUMMARY AND DESIGNATED AREA OF EXPERTISE
Join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team combining expertise from the University of California, Davis, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). We are seeking an enthusiastic Junior Specialist or Assistant Specialist to support cutting-edge micrometeorology and hydrogeology research led by Prof. Holly Oldroyd (UC Davis) and Drs. Scott Bradford and Gordon Osterman (USDA-ARS).

This position focuses heavily on the application of fiber-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FODTS) to measure high-resolution spatial and temporal temperature dynamics across the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum and subsurface environments. The successful candidate will contribute to groundbreaking work assessing evapotranspiration, micrometeorological fluxes, and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) processes across California’s Central Valley and in California Mountains.

Key Responsibilities
Research Activities (90%)

• FODTS Deployment & Maintenance: Assist in the design, installation, calibration, and routine operation of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing systems for micrometeorological and subsurface monitoring.
• Field Monitoring & Logistics: Play an integral role in field data collection across agricultural, groundwater recharge, mountain, and forest sites.
• Laboratory & Data Analysis: Process, quality-control, and analyze time-series environmental data (specifically FODTS temperature matrices and meteorological datasets).
• Research Dissemination: Synthesize research findings, generate visualization products, and contribute to progress reports, academic presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Professional Competence & Activity (5%)

• Participate actively in lab group meetings, academic seminars, and professional training workshops.
• Assist USDA-ARS and UC Davis scientists with laboratory safety compliance, chemical inventory management, equipment maintenance, vendor relations, and standard operating procedure (SOP) development.
• Collaborate on research directions, data interpretation, and co-authorship of scientific publications.

University & Public Service (5%)

• Assist in recruiting and mentoring undergraduate student assistants in field safety, basic environmental measurement techniques, and laboratory procedures.
• Supervision of undergraduate student assistants required only if hired to Assistant Rank

Work Environment

• Host Institution: This position is hosted at the USDA-ARS Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems (SAWS) Research Unit on the UC Davis campus.
• Setting: Dynamic split between laboratory analysis, computational data processing, and physical field work in diverse weather conditions across the Central Valley and mountains in California.
• Collaboration: Daily interaction and guidance from UC Davis faculty, USDA-ARS research scientists, postdocs, and technical support staff.

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.

• “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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, 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.

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 or 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.

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.

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.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.