Assistant Project Scientist- Gaudin Lab

UC Davis College of Engineering; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis College of Engineering is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist for the Gaudin Lab to investigate the impacts of orchard diversification on soil ecology. The role involves leading research, mentoring students, and publishing findings, contributing to the development of agroforestry systems in California.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. must be obtained at the time of appointment.
• Experience in analysis, modeling and visualization of soil and ecological data.
• Understanding of agricultural systems and soil health.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on grazing in orchard systems and plant-soil interactions.
• Mentor and supervise students in research activities.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Organizational skills

Oral communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Soil sciences, Plant/crop sciences, Agroecology or related fields

Job description

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Position overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $74,100-$94,200. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Application Window

Open date: February 21, 2025

Most recent review date: Saturday, Mar 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

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)

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. in Soil sciences, Plant/crop sciences, Agroecology or related fields (must be obtained at the time of appointment)
• Experience in the analysis, modeling and visualization of soil and ecological data
• Understanding of agricultural systems, soil health and approaches to on farm research
• Strong organizational and oral communication skills
  
  

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• interest in agroecology, integrated crop livestock systems and diversified orchard crop systems
• Ability to work collaboratively and develop productive and equitable relationships with team members and project stakeholders
• Evidence of scientific accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications
  
  

Application Requirements

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• 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.
• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
  
  

Reference Requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)
  
  

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07004

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Davis

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.
• 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
  
  

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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

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

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 also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). 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.

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.

Job location

Davis, CA

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

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