Postdoctoral Scholar - Pires Lab

Position overview

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment.
See Table 23: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid
Direct, Fiscal Year. The salary range for this position is $69,073-$82,836. "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that
is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Application Window

Open date: October 1, 2025

Most recent review date: Friday, Oct 17, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 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

Job characteristics: We are seeking for a Post-Doctoral Scholar that will work in veterinary epidemiology, animal health, biosecurity and food safety in the laboratory of Dr. Alda Pires, Department of Population and Health and Reproduction at the University of California, Davis. The scholar will join an interdisciplinary team of epidemiologists, veterinary clinicians, microbiologists, researchers and extension specialists conducting applied research on development quantitative methods to improve animal health, infectious disease control, food safety and surveillance programs, as well as the implementation of outreach programs and translational science in national and international projects.

Responsibilities: The scholar will be based at the University of California Davis (Davis, California) and will work with epidemiologists, field veterinarians, extension specialists, farm advisors, other scientists and policymakers on a wide range of issues related to biosecurity, animal health and infectious diseases. This interdisciplinary project is in collaboration with the University of California Davis and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, stakeholders and industry collaborators. The candidate will be responsible for performing and participating in all aspects of a USDA-funded research project focused on surveys, a systematic review of the current literature and educational materials, on-farm biosecurity project, including building capacity by developing train-the-trainer resources for stakeholders, developing train-the-train resources to build capacity among stakeholders. The candidate will also be responsible for implementing outreach tools for diversified livestock production systems. Additional project opportunities include analyzing foodborne pathogens related, conducting quantitative risk assessments, and modeling infectious diseases.

The scholar will also be responsible for accurate record keeping, data analysis, manuscript writing, grant writing, presentation of original research work at local, national, and international meetings, The position includes mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and work as a part of the Pires Lab team to advance the mission of the entire group.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

The candidate will have: (i) A Ph.D. in veterinary epidemiology, animal health or related discipline with experience in veterinary epidemiology in the fields of infectious disease, disease control, and animal health, (ii) experience implementing biosecurity and surveillance programs in livestock; (iii) a strong and proven record of scientific accomplishment by peer-reviewed publications; (iv) strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

The successful candidate must be able to (i) work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team; (ii) to coordinate projects and manage confidential databases, conduct statistical analysis of data, demonstrated project management expertise, (iii) strong interpersonal skills. Ph.D. in veterinary epidemiology or a related field. Ph.D. must be in awarded by the start of the position. Basic qualification must be met at time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Valid Driver's License in CA or intention to have one.

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

The following additional qualifications will be considered: (i) Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM or equivalent), (ii) research experience in quantitative epidemiology and risk assessment, (iii) field work and clinical experience, and (iv) outreach and capacity building. Participation in the preparation of research grant applications and reports is expected.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 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.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

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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.

• "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 or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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.

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 is also a national leader in inclusive practice. 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.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other