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Location

Davis, CA | United States

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Job description

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is $70,500.00 - $84,500.00

Application Window

Open date: December 12, 2023

Most recent review date: Tuesday, Dec 26, 2023 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: Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 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

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 research projects. 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 participate in the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion on the basis of three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONISBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREA OF EXPERTISE

I. Research in Specialized Areas (85% effort)

The primary research objectives of this position are to study migratory patterns, natal origins, exposure to toxins, temperature reconstructions, population age structures, and growth of native California freshwater fishes. Laboratory and data analysis techniques will be utilized to ensure that data is properly collected and analyzed. The researcher will be expected, within their area of specialization, to work independently under limited direct supervision and to make substantial contributions toward publishable research.

The incumbent will provide specialized laboratory and analytical expertise at the Center for Watershed Sciences to run experiments and generate data for the publication of scientific articles primarily focusing on the use of otoliths as study tool They willUse compound microscopes and image analysis software to count and measure otolith microstructures. Use these structures to estimate age (both daily and annual) and somatic growth.

A. Provide specialized laboratory expertise in the preparation and analysis of thin sections from the otoliths of multiple fish species and have the knowledgebase to determine the most appropriate methods for each species.

1. The specialist will perform isotopic analysis on sectioned otolith samples by using a variety of complex scientific instruments such as Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometer (LA-MC-ICPMS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (ICP-Q-MS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS), and synchrotron.
2. Analyze laboratory and instrument data using the R-statistical programming language.
3. Participate in the writing and review of research end products including technical reports, posters and manuscripts for peer reviewed publication.
4. Using a combination of creativity and their specialized technical expertise, the incumbent is expected to independently research and develop novel procedures to adapt to advancements in instrumentation, optimize current methods and to meet the demands of emerging scientific questions.
   B. Laboratory/Project Management
   The specialist will be responsible for supporting the principal investigators by providing project management coordination to help ensure that projects progress smoothly and that deliverables are completed on time. The Specialist will be responsible for training staff, academics and students and ensuring that they perform laboratory procedures correctly, efficiently and in accordance with UC Davis compliant safety standards. They will help determine project priorities, assign tasks and track progress of staff, academics and students. The specialist configures laboratory work stations, restocks laboratory supplies as needed and orders equipment to keep pace with project requirements.
   C. Database Design and Management
5. In consultation with principal investigators and end users, design and implement a fully functional SQL based database that incorporates data from all projects, past and current in consultation with principal investigators and end users. Ensure that project data is accurately entered into the database and that established quality control procedures are followed by all who input data.
6. Suggest and create advanced queries in SQL to monitor project progress and compile data for laboratory colleagues and PIs for all needs including publication. Support end users through database training and creating targeted queries.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (10% effort)


The Specialist will present at and contribute to presentations of others for at least one professional meeting or workshop per year. Expected events for participation include at the American Fisheries Society regional CALNEVA annual meeting, the biennial Bay-Delta Science Conference in Sacramento, the Interagency Ecology Program Annual Workshop and meetings related to otolith research. Where opportunities allow, the researcher will review proposals or publications related to their areas of scientific expertise and practical experience.

III. University and Public Service (05% effort)


Act as technical liaison on issues as they relate Otolith Lab activities and respond to the needs of State agencies (DWR, SWRCB, CDFW) and federal agencies (NOAA, NMFS, USFWS, USEPA), NGOs (CalTrout, TNC, and similar) and other external groups. Serve on committees of department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in ecology, fisheries, hydrology, biology or related fields, or technical expertise equivalent to a Master's degree in the area of specialization or five years of training in the area of specialization.
2. Experience managing a team in a scientific setting.
3. Experience in preparing otolith thin sections for microstructure and geochemical analysis.
4. Experience with microscopy using compound microscopes and stereoscopic microscopes.
5. Experience with using Image-Pro Premier or similar image analysis software.
6. Training in measuring otolith microstructure to determine age and growth.
7. Experience with strontium isotope analysis using a Laser Ablation Multiple-Collection Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS).
8. Experience in the operation of a Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS).
9. Experience in measuring trace elements using an Inductively coupled plasma (quadrupole) mass spectrometer (ICP-Q-MS).
10. Knowledge of SQL database design and development on both the front and backend.
11. Experience creating database queries in SQL.
12. Experience with the R programing language.
13. Experience using Microsoft office suite or equivalent software.
14. Writing skills to contribute to scientific communications such as peer reviewed publications, posters, standard operating procedures, reports.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience with collecting water samples for isotope analysis.
2. Experience with embedding samples in epoxy resin.
3. Experience operating a low-speed diamond saw.

Department :

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

1. Master's degree in ecology, fisheries, hydrology, biology or related fields, or technical expertise equivalent to a Master's degree in the area of specialization or five years of training in the area of specialization.
2. Experience managing a team in a scientific setting.
3. Experience in preparing otolith thin sections for microstructure and geochemical analysis.
4. Experience with microscopy using compound microscopes and stereoscopic microscopes.
5. Experience with using Image-Pro Premier or similar image analysis software.
6. Training in measuring otolith microstructure to determine age and growth.
7. Experience with strontium isotope analysis using a Laser Ablation Multiple-Collection Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS).
8. Experience in the operation of a Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS).
9. Experience in measuring trace elements using an Inductively coupled plasma (quadrupole) mass spectrometer (ICP-Q-MS).
10. Knowledge of SQL database design and development on both the front and backend.
11. Experience creating database queries in SQL.
12. Experience with the R programing language.
13. Experience using Microsoft office suite or equivalent software.
14. Writing skills to contribute to scientific communications such as peer reviewed publications, posters, standard operating procedures, reports.

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

1. Experience with collecting water samples for isotope analysis.
2. Experience with embedding samples in epoxy resin.
3. Experience operating a low-speed diamond saw.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 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 for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

Help contact: [email protected]

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals' with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:

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:

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, 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: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan." There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

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

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