Assistant-Associate Project Scientist-Meyer Lab

We are looking for (1) either an Assistant Project Scientist or an Associate Project Scientist.
The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their 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), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. They 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
Research Activity (75%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of dairy manure nutrient management and conservation or air quality monitoring. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator and collaborators. They will carry out existing projects and design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate may work with or mentor students, junior specialists, staff research associates or Farm Advisors. They should have a strong foundation in air quality or environmental monitoring or dairy nutrition or manure management and/or use of nutrients on agronomic crops associated with dairy production or similar systems approach to resource management.
We seek a candidate with a diverse understanding of nitrogen and carbon cycles and strong quantitative skills. The candidate will work with various projects related to determining on-farm emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases, volatile solids and nitrogen flows through dairy cattle production areas and into cropping systems. Primary work will be conducted on up to two commercial dairy operations. Monitoring equipment needs to be managed regularly for proper function.
The candidate should have experience with understanding air quality or other environmental monitoring techniques, variability of nutrient composition and effect of temperature and climate on nitrogen metabolism and loss pathways in manure. The candidate should have a working knowledge of statistical analytical packages to perform temporal analyses and compare as best as possible different management schemes.

Publication (9%)
The candidate will assist in publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team. The candidate should have a track record of leading scientific papers with co-authors of varied backgrounds.
Grant Management (9%)
The candidate will assist the PI in compliance with grant reporting needs will prepare and assist in the preparation of modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and regional or national conferences appropriate to work being conducted and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend and when appropriate run project meetings with project teams. The candidate will present research results to collaborators as needed 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 involving University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources academics.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2%)
Outreach
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies.