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Cooperative Extension Assistant Specialist in Antimicrobial Stewardship

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Position description

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a statewide program with local delivery, in collaboration with the School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, are seeking a full time Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension (100%) to develop an outreach, extension, and research program on antimicrobial stewardship that leads to reduction in selection pressure for antimicrobial resistance, upholds sustainable, judicious use of medically-important antimicrobials in food-producing animals, and promotes a safe and wholesome supply of foods of animal origin in California. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues in the School, across the University, and within the network of UC Cooperative Extension who work on topics related to AMR, such as livestock production, veterinary medicine, safety of foods of animal origin, and reducing AMR in the agricultural environment. The position is located at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare, California.

QUALIFICATIONS:
DVM or equivalent degree is required, with graduate level training and/or board certification in an appropriate discipline. The successful candidate is required to have demonstrated expertise in some of the following areas: livestock and husbandry practices with respect to prudent usage of antibiotics, quality assurance programs regarding use of antibiotics, AMR testing methodologies, epidemiology of AMR and a demonstrated ability to communicate with various stakeholders including farmers, livestock commodity organizations, animal health professionals and veterinarians, relevant state and federal agencies and consumers. A record of acquisition of extramural funding or the potential to do so is required. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere are required. Evidence of or potential for leadership and initiative is required. Evidence of or potential for extending applied research and conducting outreach education for antimicrobial stewardship in livestock production is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Outreach: Responsibilities include: 1) develop and extend practical science-based information on antimicrobial resistance to a variety of stakeholders including CE advisors, farmers, policy specialists and consumers; 2) in collaboration with state and federal agencies such as CDFA, CDPH, USDA and academia, develop antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and best management practices for veterinarians, livestock owners and their employees that reduce AMR yet maintain healthy herds and flocks; 3) act as a liaison between industry organizations, the University of California, and state and federal agencies; 4) help conduct workshops and speak at livestock and poultry quality assurance programs, (5) develop web-based training courses and produce lay and peer-reviewed publications.

Research: The development of a creative and productive research program performed independently and collaboratively with UCCE network (advisors, specialists, AES faculty, etc.) and the California livestock industries with funding from extramural sources is a fundamental and indispensable requirement of the position, including publication of results in peer-reviewed professional and scientific journals and appropriate UCCE outlets. The successful candidate will develop an applied research program emphasizing research in developing and optimizing scientifically validated practical alternatives to the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs, including, but not limited to, the strategic use of vaccines, prebiotics, probiotics, immune modulators, and improved hygiene and management practices. Other areas of emphasis could include: molecular and temporal-spatial epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in food producing livestock, mitigation of medically important antimicrobials via improved husbandry practices, and leveraging the NARMS surveillance data to observe trends in antimicrobial resistance in retail meats sold in California. The areas of emphasis will be based on an evaluation of the needs of California’s livestock industries, with primary focus on the large California livestock commodities (dairy, beef, poultry) with opportunity to expand and redirect efforts as new issues and industry needs emerge across California. This individual will provide leadership in directing research projects of professional and graduate students.

Service: University and public service through committee work, participation in professional organizations, continuing education and other appropriate means is required.

The University of California, Davis and the Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, are interested in candidates who are committed to the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities, and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

UC Davis supports family-friendly recruitments. UC Davis covers travel expenses for a second person to accompany a 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

At UC Davis, a Work Life program has been in place since January 2003. A group of Faculty Advisors for Work Life was established in 2007 to help publicize and inform the faculty about the programs, policies, and resources associated with work life/life changes. This group of advisors represents various academic units (colleges, schools, divisions) on the campus. The following summarizes the programs and updated UC policy. http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/work-life/index.html

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 is limited to full-time Academic Senate Ladder Rank faculty, Cooperative Extension Specialists, and in a few instances, members of the Senior Management Group. http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/programs/partner-opp/index.html

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. 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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Letter of Intent - Please outline your special interest in this position, overall related qualifications and your experience.

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Outreach, Research, and Service Goals

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.

Reference requirements
  • 4 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA