Assistant Project Scientist-Meyer Lab

A project scientist position on “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (Dairy)” is available in the Meyer Lab, Department of Animal Science, at the University of California Davis. The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists from UCD, UCR, UC ANR and agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders to evaluate changes in volatile solids and nitrogen when advanced manure management practices are installed on commercial dairy operations. The position offers opportunities to collaborate in interdisciplinary projects through various data analysis and modelling needs (physico-chemical process models, statistical modeling projects). This position offers exceptional professional development opportunities within a highly collaborative multi- and trans-disciplinary team in an emerging global environmental area where food production under net zero carbon emissions is targeted. The individual will engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

Managing carbon and nitrogen continues to be a globally important area of study. Conservation of carbon and nitrogen in dairy production systems utilizes nutrients more efficiently and reduces contribution to environmental pollutants. This work aims at quantifying benefits to greenhouse gas emissions reductions as well as to improved nutrient management (nitrogen) to reduce environmental emissions from dairying. A highly motivated individual is needed to oversee a farm-based research project and collaborate with scientists at UCD and UCR. The successful candidate will work with a team of investigators to coordinate farm-based work, create collaborations to share results and synthesize findings for reports and presentations.

Major responsibilities
I. Research: (50%)
Research oversight (15%)

Position will report to Dr. Deanne Meyer

• Lead and implement efforts to collect, process, and analyze field data, laboratory analyses, and other data available for nitrogen and volatile solids flow through dairy production area.
• Conduct research with collaborators in UC Davis, UC Riverside and UC ANR on projects related effectiveness of advanced manure treatment technologies, nutrient and greenhouse gas emissions and fate and form of nitrogen and carbon in dairy production systems. This multilocation field study evaluates dairy plus manure management practices installed on commercial facilities.
• Quantify changes in volatile solids, carbon, and nitrogen flows through dairy area production facilities for collaborating farms.
• Develop and apply models to support mass balance analysis of volatile solids, nitrogen and carbon at farm scale and regional level to quantify benefits of installed technologies and determine if benefits persist throughout the system.
• Use multidisciplinary and systems approaches to address research questions.
• Prepare high quality, professional graphics, animations, and tables of a wide range of results as needed.
• Produce high quality scientific and technical output including journal articles, conference papers and presentations, reports, and graphics.
• Lead project management efforts including communication with PI and coPI scheduling and facilitating regular project management team engagement.
• Participate in research with collaborators across university faculty, staff, students, and state and regional environmental regulatory agencies.
• Draft written reports of research methods and results to be developed into scientific journal articles and extension publications and meet reporting requirements of funding agency.

Data Management and Analysis (10%):
• Coordinate data collection and entry and ensure quality and accuracy of data.
• Conduct analyses of datasets and prepare summary statistics, tables and graphs.
• Independently write and present reports. Assist in preparing and reviewing drafts of papers and posters to ensure accuracy.

Writing and Publications (10%):
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize existing research relevant to projects.
• Prepare and publish peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Prepare extension publications to disseminate research results.

Grant Management (5%)
• Prepare summaries and reports for funding agencies.

Outreach and Program Support (5%):
• Coordinate discussions with agencies and communities related to projects.
• Prepare and conduct presentations.
• Participate in planning outreach and extension efforts to address research needs.
• Participate in conferences and workshops.
• Support development of summary products and annual reports.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and may serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (0% EFFORT)
The candidate is not expected to engage in public service and/or teaching classroom courses.