Junior Specialist - Parikh Lab

The Parikh Soil Chemistry Laboratory seeks a Junior Specialist to support a research project examining soil and water quality and carbon cycling in field systems. The Junior Specialist will participate in field sampling, laboratory analysis of soil and water samples, data management and analysis, and preparation of figures, tables, reports, and other research products.

The position will involve a combination of fieldwork, laboratory measurements, and computer-based data analysis. Field activities will require travel from UC Davis to research sites and may include overnight and multi-day trips.

Research (90%)

The Junior Specialist will:

Participate in field collection of soil and water samples and associated field measurements.

Travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day sampling trips as required by the project.

Assist with preparation and transport of field equipment and supplies.

Prepare, process, preserve, and organize soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.

Conduct chemical and physical analyses of soil and water samples using established laboratory methods and instrumentation.

Prepare standards, reagents, calibration curves, and quality-control samples and maintain detailed laboratory records.

Organize and maintain field and laboratory datasets and perform quality-control checks on collected data.

Perform calculations and quantitative analyses of experimental data.

Use Excel and other statistical or graphical software to analyze data and prepare scientific graphs, figures, and tables.

Participate in interpretation of soil and water chemistry data in relation to project objectives.

Conduct literature searches related to analytical methods and interpretation of research results.

Assist with preparation of research reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.

Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in laboratory meetings and research discussions, maintain familiarity with relevant scientific literature and analytical methods, and may assist in presenting research results at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, or scientific meetings.

University and Public Service (5%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in appropriate laboratory and departmental service activities, which may include laboratory organization and safety activities, assisting with training of undergraduate researchers or new laboratory members in established methods, and participating in project-related outreach activities

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, Hydrology, Agricultural Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of application.

Experience conducting laboratory or field research.

Experience working with soil, water, or other environmental samples.

Experience organizing and managing research data.

Experience using Microsoft Excel or comparable software for quantitative analysis.

Experience preparing graphs, figures, or tables from experimental data.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to maintain accurate research records.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.

Valid California driver's license required by the start date of the appointment.

Ability and willingness to travel to field research sites, including overnight and multi-day trips as required by the project

Research experience in soil science, environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, or water quality.

Experience with chemical analysis of soil or water samples.

Experience with laboratory instrumentation and QA/QC procedures.

Experience with R, Python, Origin, or similar statistical or graphical software.

Experience preparing publication-quality scientific figures.

Experience contributing to scientific reports, presentations, or manuscripts.

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

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.

• "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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, 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 UC RECRUIT 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.

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