Skip to main content

Associate Specialist

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

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. Required: MS or BS plus 5 years design, programming, QA and database development experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)

1) Collaborate with research personnel affiliated with research activities involving the EXPLORER Total-Body PET/CT scanner and other radiological devices on studies that are attempting to validate and/or exploit PET/CT imaging biomarkers for understanding human biology, and for diagnosing and quantifying various types of diseases. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:
• Conference abstracts and publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
• Conference abstracts and publications on which Associate Specialist is an author.
• Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
• Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
• Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.
2) Develop, validate and characterize algorithms for mining of image and related data for biomarkers and correlates.
3) Design, build, characterize and maintain data processing pipelines for acquired data reduction.
4) Design, build and maintain computerized databases as needed to support research projects
5) Develop expertise in specialized research software suites and manage integration of such into operational workflows and research projects; provide training and support as need.
6) Manage complex medium to large projects of significant and critical importance to data asset and report development.
7) Perform data validation tests to ensure quality.
8) Monitor data quality and work with research teams to resolve issues related to data source validity.
9) Participate in research work groups that include researchers, physicians and operational staff to gather and document requirements, identify and resolve programming issues.
10) Set up, monitor, and maintain mission-critical EXPLORER computer systems for research use. Research and develop strategies to manage, de-identify and anonymize patient and research subject data. This will involve learning how to operate the EXPLORER computer systems and develop software infrastructures to analyze medical images.
11) Serve as a research IT coordinator for EXPLORER projects conducted by the PIs in the Department of Radiology, other UC PIs, other Institutions and Industry studies, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. 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.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

The position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2021. Qualified applicants should apply online at UC Recruit: : https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF03793. Interested applicants should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of contributions to diversity, and the names and contact information of three to five professional references.

UC Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. 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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct. If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

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. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

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

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Sacramento, CA