Project Scientist - Atwill

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

I. RESEARCH (85%)

Research activity (40%) This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program in the areas of veterinary epidemiology (epidemiological modeling and statistical analysis), diagnostic microbiology, microbial food safety, and aero-microbiology. Additional research activities for this position will likely include using laboratory methods to culture, PCR-confirm, and whole-genome sequencing bacterial pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 and other STECs; air sampling with MAS-100 Eco machines to determine effects of agricultural activities on airborne bacterial composition; using positive-pressure ultrafiltration methods for concentrating waterborne pathogens from riverine or irrigation water systems; Candidates must have documented experience in statistical analyses of unbalanced longitudinal data using modern mixed-effects regression methods. Candidate must be willing to travel overnight as required, both within California and across the United States to collect samples that will likely occur multiple times per year as needed for one or more research projects. The candidate will help to determine research goals, field sampling designs, and appropriate analytical diagnostic methods for new projects, in consultation with the Principal Investigator (Dr. E.R. Atwill). The candidate will also supervise one or more laboratory technicians and students regarding the technical aspects of the research program, including diagnostic method development, trouble-shooting field and laboratory problems, interpreting project results, and planning follow-up and validation experiments. Minimum requirements include demonstrated epidemiology knowledge and experience of working with foodborne pathogens in the laboratory and field. Experience and skills of collecting and processing manure, air, and water samples are preferred.

Scientific publication (25%) The candidate will publish the results from various research projects in peer-reviewed journals, books and other publication outlets, either independently or in collaboration with the PI and/or other members of the research team.

Grant acquisition and project budgetary planning (20%) The candidate will assist the PI in writing and submitting grant proposals for research and outreach funding from state and federal agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist the PI in preparation of progress and final reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed, along with constructing budgetary projections and monthly monitoring of project expenditures.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%) The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field, and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars and scientific meetings to present research results and may give oral or poster presentations at scientific venues, academic meetings, and public or professional interest groups.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%) The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest didactic lecturing and university/school/departmental committee service The candidate will engage in occasional outreach activities such as presenting research results to scientific and governmental meetings, providing seminars to the general public, and providing relevant scientific advice to academic, governmental, and other public agencies.

The basic qualification for this position is a PhD in the areas of veterinary epidemiology (epidemiological modeling and statistical analysis), diagnostic microbiology, microbial food safety, and aero-microbiology or equivalent graduate degree

The ideal candidate will show strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills while, promoting teamwork in a diverse multidisciplinary environment and supporting the research activities of the PI and research team. The Appointee will be supervised directly by PI and will be communicating and interacting with the team of investigators and scientists of the center. Self-guidance in details of assigned tasks is expected.

Experience and skills of collecting and processing manure, air, and water samples

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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