Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension – Community Nutrition

The Department of Nutrition, internationally recognized as a premier center of excellence in research, teaching, and extension, is seeking applications for a Specialist in Cooperative Extension (CE) to join the faculty at the Assistant rank in the field of community nutrition. The mission of the Department of Nutrition is to develop and disseminate comprehensive basic and applied knowledge regarding nutritional biology and the translation to improving human health, and to implement and evaluate nutrition interventions and programs for their impact on individuals, society and policy. A Specialist in Cooperative Extension (CE) is being recruited to conduct original applied research using innovative approaches and new technologies resulting in information that can be applied toward improving the lives of Californians with emphasis on those at highest risk of food insecurity, diet-related chronic diseases and obesity; and to develop an extension education and outreach program that extends information to toward various clientele (e.g., individuals of all ages, families and communities) including under-represented groups. The successful candidate will bring visibility and leadership to campus- and county-based CE academics and other researchers and educators involved in the study of community-based nutrition programs, policy-systems-environment change approaches, and innovative solutions for food-related challenges affecting diverse Californians. Research and extension outreach activities will be closely integrated with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), including county-based CE academics and clientele as well as campus-based CE and ladder rank faculty.

Responsibilities: This is a full time, career-track appointment that includes the expectation that the appointee will conduct mission-oriented research and engage in extension education and outreach that advances the mission of the Department of Nutrition and ANR. The focus of this position will be on community nutrition. Accordingly, applicants should have the professional background necessary to conduct original research in nutrition and food-related health challenges, nutrition programs and recommendations, strengthening linkages between agriculture-foods-nutrition and policy, food literacy and communicating nutrition science to the public.  By developing reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues and with various stakeholders, the candidate should become a knowledgeable partner who can provide reliable information and build research-informed networks to address issues of regional and statewide importance in the state of California.  Advising and mentoring of graduate students is expected.

Extension Teaching: A person in this position is expected to provide leadership as a liaison between campus-based researchers, CE campus and county-based academics, and clientele and colleague groups such as local and state stakeholders. This will include providing information to clientele through print publications, web-based resources and in-person presentations, and serving as a resource for other CE academics.

Applied Research: The successful candidate will conduct and publish results of:  1) applied research related to nutrition-related health challenges, food insecurity and food literacy, which can be addressed using innovative outreach approaches, community-based programming and newer technology to promote behavior change; 2) applied research or other creative activities designed to combat nutrition misinformation through communicating science-based recommendations and solutions, and promote effective public policy decision-making. Areas of emphasis may include any of the following: strengthening linkages between nutrition, agriculture, food systems and policies, designing and implementing community-based interventions and approaches that have potential to reduce diet-related chronic disease risks among vulnerable populations.

Professional Competence and Activity:  The candidate will be expected to participate in professional society activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings; reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals in their area of expertise; and establishing productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other states and countries. The goal would be to gain national and international recognition for scholarly contributions to the science and practices of community nutrition, as they advance to the higher ranks in the UC system.

Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in nutrition or other closely related discipline, with post-doctoral or work experience is required. The successful candidate must have a record that documents productivity in research as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and potential to secure extramural research funding.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience.

Appointment Date:  Applications will be reviewed with the expectation that the appointee will be available for service on or soon after April 1, 2022.

Applications:  Applications should be submitted on-line at : https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04506. Additional inquiries should be directed to Recruitment Advisory Committee chair Dr. Christine Stewart, cpstewart@ucdavis.edu.

Applicants should submit:  curriculum vitae including publication list statement of research and extension interests and goals; a summary or abstract of the Ph.D. dissertation; copies or links to recent relevant publications; statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion and names, addresses including e-mail, and telephone numbers of at least three references. The position will remain open until filled. To ensure consideration, applications should be received by December 1, 2021.

UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community.  We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

UC Davis supports Family-friendly recruitments. UC Davis covers travel expenses for a second

person to accompany an invited faculty recruitment candidate who is a mother (or single parent of either gender) of a breast or bottle-feeding child less than two years of age.

http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/work-life/index.html

UC Davis recognizes the necessity of supporting faculty with efforts to integrate work, family and other work-life considerations. To recruit and retain the best faculty, the campus sponsors a Work Life

Program that provides programs and services that support faculty as they strive to honor their commitments to work, home and community.

http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/worklife/index.html

UC Davis was ranked #1 in 2016 on Forbes Magazine list of the 13 most important STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) universities for women, and is actively seeking the U.S. Department of Education’s “Hispanic Serving Institution” designation.  Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its student body by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students through such organizations and programs as the Center for African Diaspora Student Success; the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center; Casa Cuauhtémoc Chicano-Latino Theme House; Asian Pacific American Theme House; ME/SA (Middle astern/South Asian) living-learning community; Multi- Ethnic Program (MEP); Chicano/Latino Retention Initiative; and Native American Theme Program.

The UC Davis Partner Opportunities Program (POP) is a service designed to support departments and deans’ offices in the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty. Eligibility for POP services is limited to full-time Academic Senate Ladder Rank faculty (including Lecturers with Security of Employment (LSOE), Lecturers with Potential Security of Employment (LPSOE) Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment (SLPSOE)), and Cooperative Extension Specialists.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis-- indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is eight weeks after their first date of employment.  (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.)