Position overview Salary range: The exempt salary for Junior Specialist, Step 1: $57,000/yr , Step 2- $60,700/yr. The non-exempt salary for the Jr. Specialist position is Step 1 is $27.30, Step 2-$29.08.

Application Window Open date:

July 9, 2026 Next review date: Friday, Jul 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:

Wednesday, Sep 30, 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 Position Description This position will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects and studies focusing on questions in microbiology, food safety, veterinary epidemiology, animal health and laboratory methods. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Alda Pires. It will be necessary to occasionally work odd hours as necessary to conduct farm visits and meet deadlines. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

I. RESEARCH

(80% EFFORT) General responsibilities include: Coordination and planning of research projects, lab management which includes field and laboratory work, report manuscript and grant writing. Research activities include collaborate/assist the PI and/or Graduate Assistant Researcher and/or Post-doctoral researcher with study design, implement and conduct research on food safety, agricultural environments, including fresh produce and tree nuts farms, livestock farms and related supporting industry. Coordinate with collaborative stakeholders (e.g., researchers, farmers, ranchers and other industry and governmental partners) the implementation of field work, sampling of biological samples and summarize research findings. Perform laboratory activities including organization, development of microbiological and molecular protocols, and protocol troubleshooting. Laboratory testing such as traditional microbiological culture and PCR testing. Process environmental and animal samples (e.g., fecal samples, manure, soil, water, plant tissues, air, soil amendments, etc.) from field projects, detection of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter) and indicator bacteria using standard microbiological and molecular procedures. Purchase project supplies and equipment, troubleshooting data collection and protocols, managing and submitting receipts, and overall logistical support for experiments. Mentor undergraduate students working in the laboratory. Communicate with stakeholders and participating clientele/farmers. Create and maintain databases of data from research projects. Conduct statistical analyses and summarize the findings in progress reports, manuscripts and grants. Participate in writing and publication of manuscripts in collaboration with PI and other lab members. Coordinate with IACUC and other agencies for project regulatory approval, managing regulatory requirements and communicating project protocols to team members and regulatory agents.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY

(15% EFFORT) Summarize and present findings in internal lab meetings and stakeholder meetings. Participate in writing and publication of manuscripts in collaboration with the PI and/or Graduate Assistant Researcher and/or the Post-doctoral researcher.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE

(5% EFFORT) Mentor undergraduate students in different laboratory and field activities. Candidate will participate in various outreach efforts on campus and off associated with the Pires lab focused on University and public service outreach and extension with a focus on topics related to lab research. Examples include outreach efforts targeting farmers and other relevant stakeholders on food safety, soil amendments use, etc. Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) Basic qualifications: (required at time of application)

• A Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Medical Biology, or a related field by the time of the appointment.
• Laboratory experience (microbiology and molecular techniques)
• Prior research experience in specialized areas (food safety, agricultural environments, including fresh produce and tree nuts farms)
• Valid Driver's License Additional qualifications (required at time of start) Additional qualifications
• Evidence of professional competence and activity.
• Evidence of university and/or public service.
• Evidence of strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Evidence of excellence in communication skills with proficiency in both written and verbal English.
• Evidence of ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusivity, within the department, the university, and across the broader academic community.

Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter (Optional) Statement of Research (Optional) 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 3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07731 Help contact: rbailey@ucdavis.edu 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

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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 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 . 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. 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 . 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