Junior or Assistant Specialist Position - Oldroyd Lab

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic UC Davis, USDA-ARS collaboration to support cutting-edge micrometeorology and hydrogeology research focused on fiber-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FODTS) across California’s Central Valley. The Junior/Assistant Specialist will contribute to evapotranspiration studies, micrometeorological fluxes, and MAR processes, working with a multidisciplinary team.

The position emphasizes field data collection, instrument maintenance, data processing, and dissemination of findings

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrogeology, Atmospheric Science, Geosciences, Soil Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with field environmental data collection, sensor maintenance, and field logistics, with special focus on FODTS.
• Background in FODTS and environmental data processing.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a proven ability to work productively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• FODTS Deployment & Maintenance: Assist in the design, installation, calibration, and routine operation of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing systems for micrometeorological and subsurface monitoring.
• Field Monitoring & Logistics: Play an integral role in field data collection across agricultural, groundwater recharge, mountain, and forest sites.
• Laboratory & Data Analysis: Process, quality-control, and analyze time-series environmental data (specifically FODTS temperature matrices and meteorological datasets).
• Research Dissemination: Synthesize research findings, generate visualization products, and contribute to progress reports, academic presentations, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts.

Skills

Field data collection

Sensor maintenance

Data processing

Communication skills

Education

B.S./M.S. in Environmental/Civil Eng., Hydrogeology, Atmospheric Science, or Geosciences

Tools

FODTS systems

Python

MATLAB

R

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $57,000 - $65,800.

Application Window

Open date: November 6, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Nov 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Oct 4, 2027 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.

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.

JOB SUMMARY AND DESIGNATED AREA OF EXPERTISE

Join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team combining expertise from the University of California, Davis, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). We are seeking an enthusiastic Junior Specialist or Assistant Specialist to support cutting-edge micrometeorology and hydrogeology research led by Prof. Holly Oldroyd (UC Davis) and Drs. Scott Bradford and Gordon Osterman (USDA-ARS).

This position focuses heavily on the application of fiber-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FODTS) to measure high-resolution spatial and temporal temperature dynamics across the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum and subsurface environments. The successful candidate will contribute to groundbreaking work assessing evapotranspiration, micrometeorological fluxes, and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) processes across California’s Central Valley and in California Mountains.

Key Responsibilities

Research Activities (90%)

• FODTS Deployment & Maintenance: Assist in the design, installation, calibration, and routine operation of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing systems for micrometeorological and subsurface monitoring.
• Field Monitoring & Logistics: Play an integral role in field data collection across agricultural, groundwater recharge, mountain, and forest sites.
• Laboratory & Data Analysis: Process, quality-control, and analyze time-series environmental data (specifically FODTS temperature matrices and meteorological datasets).
• Research Dissemination: Synthesize research findings, generate visualization products, and contribute to progress reports, academic presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Professional Competence & Activity (5%)

• Participate actively in lab group meetings, academic seminars, and professional training workshops.
• Assist USDA-ARS and UC Davis scientists with laboratory safety compliance, chemical inventory management, equipment maintenance, vendor relations, and standard operating procedure (SOP) development.
• Collaborate on research directions, data interpretation, and co-authorship of scientific publications.

University & Public Service (5%)

• Assist in recruiting and mentoring undergraduate student assistants in field safety, basic environmental measurement techniques, and laboratory procedures.
• Supervision of undergraduate student assistants required only if hired to Assistant Rank.

Work Environment

• Host Institution: This position is hosted at the USDA-ARS Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems (SAWS) Research Unit on the UC Davis campus.
• Setting: Dynamic split between laboratory analysis, computational data processing, and physical field work in diverse weather conditions across the Central Valley and mountains in California.
• Collaboration: Daily interaction and guidance from UC Davis faculty, USDA-ARS research scientists, postdocs, and technical support staff.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrogeology, Atmospheric Science, Geosciences, Soil Physics, or a closely related discipline.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with field environmental data collection, sensor maintenance, and field logistics, with special focus on FODTS.
• Background in FODTS and environmental data processing.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a proven ability to work productively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

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

• Hands‑on experience with fiber-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FODTS) systems, thermal tracers, or micrometeorological flux instrumentation (e.g., eddy covariance, Bowen ratio).
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis languages (Python, MATLAB, or R).
• Experience with Spatial Analysis and GIS tools (QGIS or ArcGIS).

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Interest
• 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.
• Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.

• “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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affiliation 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.

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 or 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.

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 is also a national leader in inclusive practice. 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.

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The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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