Assistant Project Scientist- Gaudin Lab

The Agroecology group at the University of California Davis lead by Dr. Gaudin is seeking a project scientist to join their team in investigating the impacts of orchard diversification via livestock grazing on soil ecology, nutrient cycling, and stress resilience. Grazing of orchard understories provides an opportunity to address common management challenges associated with nutrient cycling in organic systems, but significant knowledge gaps remain in understanding shifts in nitrogen provision and retention and impacts on soil ecology and functions regulating the sustainability and resilience of these systems. The candidate's mission will be to lead research characterizing outcomes on soil ecosystems and work closely with an interdisciplinary team of scientists evaluating food safety risks, pest suppression potential, and cost-benefits of grazing in organic orchard systems.

The successful candidate will be funded through a USDA-OREI grant and engage in research and outreach activities related to the development of agroforestry and integrated crop-livestock systems in California. The candidate will be based at UC Davis and will design and coordinate all aspects of on-farm experimentation in partnership with orchard crop growers across the Central Valley. A large part of the mission will be to collect and analyze soils to gain a better understanding of N and C dynamics to inform nutrient management, examine potential tradeoffs for other soil health metrics, and execute controlled laboratory studies manipulating warming and/or drought using soils and plants from different field sites. The candidate will join a dynamic team of scholars and engage in shared lab management tasks and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90 % EFFORT)

Research activity (50 %)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of all aspects of an active research program investigating grazing in orchard systems and plant-soil microbes' interactions in diversified cropping systems. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. The candidate will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and analysis and support the PI in lab management. The candidate will mentor and supervise students and/or junior specialists regarding the technical aspects of the research, including development of their skillset, methods, analyzing and interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments.

Publication (30 %)

The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other extension outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (10 %)

The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and submit 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 COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10 % EFFORT)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field and current scope of work and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give poster or oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. The candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at departmental seminars and is expected to present at laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (0 % EFFORT)

A. Ph.D. in Soil sciences, Plant/crop sciences, Agroecology or related fields (must be obtained at the time of appointment)

B. Experience in the analysis, modeling and visualization of soil and ecological data

C. Understanding of agricultural systems, soil health and approaches to on farm research

D. Strong organizational and oral communication skills

E. interest in agroecology, integrated crop livestock systems and diversified orchard crop systems

F. Ability to work collaboratively and develop productive and equitable relationships with team members and project stakeholders

G. Evidence of scientific accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications

• 2 required (contact information only)

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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