Assistant Specialist - Agricultural Safety and Health Lab

Position overview

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate for this position is $30.42 - $33.87.

Application Window

Open date : November 18, 2025

Next review date : Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Tuesday, Jun 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

NATURE AND PURPOSE :

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and / or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE :

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (94% EFFORT)

The Assistant Specialist will support multiple funded research projects in the areas of transportation safety, vehicle dynamics, and robotics. Working under the direction of the Principal Investigator, this position plays a key role in conducting experimental testing, managing data collection and analysis, and maintaining research infrastructure. The role ensures timely completion of project objectives, compliance with sponsor requirements, and contributes to the lab's overall research and innovation goals. This role is accountable for supporting research operations, ensuring the successful execution and reporting of multiple funded projects. On an annual basis, the position contributes to experimental testing, data analysis, and technical documentation that advance the lab's research goals and fulfill sponsor and institutional requirements.

A. Research and Experimental Testing

• Operate and maintain lab and field-testing equipment for ATV, vehicle dynamics, and robotics projects.
• Conduct experiments and collect mechanical, safety, and performance data.
• Ensure accurate setup, calibration, and documentation of all testing activities

B. Data Collection and Analysis

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (3% EFFORT)

Participate in appropriate professional / technical societies or groups and other educational and research

organizations.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (3% EFFORT)

May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal

agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.

Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University

entities, as appropriate.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering

Additional qualifications

(required at time of start)

Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering

Preferred qualifications

(other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

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 .

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07398

Help contact : mjmuniz@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.

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.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http : / / breathefree.ucdavis.edu / ).

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. More information is available at : http : / / www.uscis.gov / e-verify

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 also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) . 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 .

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