POSITION DESCRIPTION: This position will be involved in interdisciplinary research in the areas of ruminant nutrition and plant sciences related to forage crops and animal response. The best candidate will have skills related to (1) ability and knowledge to work with livestock studies and field agronomic studies and help with harvests and processing of various forages, (2) Laboratory analysis and data management skills to measure forage quality parameters, (3) oral and written communication skills to work as a team member, (4) decision-making that allows for independent work with little supervision. Must be willing to work outside with animals and crops, planting, plant sampling, soil sampling, conducting feeding trials, data acquisition and monitoring, irrigation, and harvests of field crops, sometimes under hot conditions. Must be willing to travel to research sites in the San Joaquin Valley. The best candidate is one who is interested in the science of ruminant nutrition, crop production, forage utilization, measurements of forage quality, and livestock response. MAJOR RESPONSBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE I. Research in Specialized Areas (90% Effort) The Junior Specialist will conduct research that will lead to peer-reviewed publications. The lab research will involve using rumen fluid from fistulated cows to measure digestibility of various feedstuffs. Laboratory work will also include preparing samples and using NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) to determine the composition of various feedstuffs. The field research will involve the feeding of specific research diets to sheep or other livestock as well as planting, harvesting, sampling, and monitoring various crops. The Junior Specialist will be responsible for data collection and will help the supervisors with statistical analysis of the data. As a member of the research team the Junior Specialist will assist the weighing of feed, collection of samples (plant material, rumen fluid, feed, and feces), and the preparation of samples for lab analyses utilizing wet chemistry procedures and NIRS. The experimental design of research projects will be done by supervisors in the Department of Animal Science and the Department of Plant Sciences. The Junior Specialist will be responsible for helping the research investigators to conduct the studies. The Junior Specialist will assist with data entry and analysis and preparing peer-reviewed publications. Duties will include helping the supervisors with a literature search and data collection, data entry and data analysis. The Junior Specialist will enter data into spreadsheets that will be used by the investigator for statistical analyses. The Junior Specialist will help the investigators in the preparation of manuscripts by reading drafts of the publication, and where necessary helping to write sections, for example helping to write the section related to materials and methods of the research.
II. Professional Competence and Activity (5% Effort) a. The Junior Specialist will assist the investigator in preparing and presenting written progress reports and final summaries to the granting agencies. Depending on interest and availability of research funds, the Junior Specialist may also present an abstract of the research findings at a scientific meeting (for example, the Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium) or a poster at a nutrition conference (for example, CA Animal Nutrition Conference). b. Participation in appropriate professional/ technical societies or groups, other educational and research organizations. c. Review of journal manuscripts and other publications related to forage research, ruminant nutrition, and related subjects.
III. University and Public Service (5% Effort) a. Participate in activities of committees with the Plant Sciences Department, Animal Science Department, college, campus and other university entities as appropriate. b. 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. c. Participate in training activities, such as working with high school and undergraduate interns and training them in molecular lab work and data analysis.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences or a related field (inappropriate to hire a Jr. Specialist with a masters per RA the contract)
Ability to maintain chemical inventories and laboratory safety data sheets.
Ability and/or experience to work with livestock including cattle and sheep.
Ability to work in the field for long hours, sometimes in hot conditions.
Knowledge of research protocol, evidence for careful lab or field work
Knowledge of computer programs to collect and summarize data (Excel, Word) and to present research information (PowerPoint).
Ability to lift a 50 lb. sack.
Valid Driver's license PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Previous experiences with feed/fecal analysis (for example fiber and crude fat determination) or other types of related laboratory work
Experience using pipettes, analytical balances, top-loader balances, and drying ovens.
Experience or desire to learn statistical techniques
Experience supervising and helping to train undergraduate interns to feed animals or analyze forage samples
Knowledge of in vitro rumen fermentation methods
Salary Range: Step I- $44,500 annually or Step II - $47,500 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Position Available/ Closing Date: As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. For full consideration, completed applications must be submitted by November22, 2020. If you would like to continue to be considered after that time you will need to submit a new application when a new position is posted.
Term of Appointment: 1-year appointment. 100% time. 50% in Plant Sciences, 50% in Animal Sciences. Possibility of 1 year renewal.
To Apply: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/ . Applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three professional references.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender.
UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States. Since we first opened in 1908, we’ve been known for standout academics, sustainability and Aggie Pride as well as valuing the Northern California lifestyle. These themes are woven into our 100-plus-year history and our reputation for solving problems related to food, health, the environment and society.Our 5,300-acre campus is in the city of Davis, a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in Yolo County. The state capital is 20 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive.
