Assistant Specialist - Kebreab Lab

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California Davis invites applications for a research specialist to support Dr. Ermias Kebreab's program in Animal Science, focusing on feed additives and microbiome engineering to reduce cattle methane emissions.

The role involves coordinating with faculty and staff, conducting laboratory analyses across tissues and fluids, maintaining instruments, and contributing to methods, reports, and publications.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (M.S.) or equivalent international degree in Animal Science or related field.
• Bachelor's degree plus three or more years of research experience is acceptable.
• Evidence of laboratory analysis experience and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical, scientific, and analytical support for research activities on feed additives and methane reduction.
• Independently conduct and oversee laboratory analyses of biological samples and fatty acid analyses.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation; ensure safety and QA.
• Organize samples, maintain records, ensure data integrity, and prepare reports.
• Train students and visiting scholars in laboratory procedures.

Skills

Technical

Scientific

Analytical

Laboratory procedures

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Animal Science

Equivalent international degree in Biological/Animal Sciences

Bachelor's degree + 3+ years research experience

Job description

This position provides technical, scientific, and analytical support to Dr. Ermias Kebreab’s research program in the Department of Animal Science, which focuses on feed additives and microbiome engineering strategies to reduce methane emissions from cattle. The work examines effects on enteric methane emissions, rumen hydrogen balance, animal performance, and meat quality, contributing to efforts to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production.

Research Responsibilities 90%

• Provide technical, scientific, and analytical support to research activities focused on feed additives and microbiome engineering strategies designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle and improve the sustainability of livestock production systems.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, laboratory personnel, facility managers, and external collaborators involved in research activities.
• Independently conduct and oversee laboratory analyses of fat, muscle, liver, ruminal fluid, plasma, red blood cell, and other biological samples. Responsibilities include fatty acid analysis, proximate analysis, evaluation of rumen fermentation parameters, and assessment of hydrogen redirection associated with methane mitigation strategies.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation; develop, refine, and implement laboratory protocols as research needs evolve; and ensure adherence to laboratory safety and quality assurance procedures.
• Organize and process samples; maintain accurate laboratory and research records; ensure data integrity; manage research datasets; summarize and evaluate analytical results; and prepare tables, figures, reports, and preliminary interpretations.
• Conduct literature reviews related to analytical methodologies and research objectives; contribute methods descriptions, technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations arising from research activities.
• Train students, laboratory personnel, and visiting scholars in laboratory procedures and analytical methods that support ongoing research projects.
• Evidence of research productivity may include significant contributions to publications, acknowledged technical expertise, contribution to publishable research, dissemination of research findings, and participation in scholarly activities relevant to the assigned area of specialization.

Professional Competence 5%

• Maintain professional competence through continuing engagement with scientific literature, emerging analytical methodologies, workshops, seminars, professional development activities, and relevant scientific meetings.
• May participate in professional and technical societies and assist in the review of scientific manuscripts, reports, publications, and other scholarly documents related to the area of expertise.

University and Public Service 5%

• Participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities, as appropriate.
• May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of collaborators, analytical facilities, industry organizations, and external stakeholders involved in research-related activities.

Master's degree (M.S.) or equivalent international degree in Animal Science, Animal Biology, Biological Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or possession of a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience. It is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a doctorate in a discipline relevant or related to the research as an Assistant Specialist. Degree requirements must be completed by the appointment start date.