The Pires Laboratory at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a full-time Junior Specialist position. As a Junior Specialist, the successful applicant will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects studies focusing on questions in microbiology, food safety, veterinary epidemiology, animal health and laboratory methods under the direction of the Principal Investigator Alda Pires.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% 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. 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 (10% EFFORT)
Summarize and present findings in internal lab meetings and stakeholder meetings.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
Mentor undergraduate students working in the laboratory.