Project Scientist at Nutrition Policy Institute (AP# 26-19)

Project Scientist at Nutrition Policy Institute (AP# 26-19)


University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources



Application Window

Open date: October 22, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Nov 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Feb 19, 2027 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

Position Overview

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a Project Scientist at the Assistant rank.
The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) is an ANR statewide unit that conducts and translates policy-relevant research to transform environments for healthy children, families, and communities. NPI researchers work with other researchers throughout the UC system as well as local, state, and national partners. NPI projects are funded primarily from grants and contracts with 20-30 active research and evaluation projects underway at any given time.

The project is expected to start on January 1, 2027 and an Assistant Project Scientist will work on studies related to youth cardiometabolic health; school nutrition programs; nutrition policy; and implementation science. The primary project will include research and policy work related to ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in school meals, snacks, and competitive foods. Major responsibilities of the Assistant Project Scientist will include high-level literature reviews; collaborating with partners at the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Education; collecting, cleaning, and analyzing qualitative and policy data; designing and managing studies; supporting grant writing efforts; and presenting and publishing research through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Location headquarters: The position will be headquartered at UC Office of the President at 1111 Franklin Street, Eleventh floor, Oakland, CA 94607.

Academic Program Major Responsibilities

The position will develop and conduct applied research and evaluation that is consistent with UC ANR's Strategic Vision and NPI's Strategic Plan and disseminate findings and recommendations to inform programs and policy.

Technical Competence & Impact
• Rigorously review the literature to inform study design and measures.
• Design and direct the development of detailed protocols and instruments for data collection including plans for testing of measurement methods.
• Train and supervise other data collectors.
• Coordinate data management. Determine appropriate analysis techniques for each dataset and research question. Conduct and supervise qualitative and policy analyses using one or more qualitative analysis programs commonly used in public health.
• Prepare data tables and brief reports to summarize qualitative data.
• Identify federal and non-federal funding opportunities; develop and write proposals as part of a collaborative team; and recruit collaborators.

Communication
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations to summarize research findings for research, professional, and lay audiences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare interim and final reports and project summary materials (including fact sheets and policy briefs) for funders, community stakeholders, and policy makers.

Collaboration, Teamwork & Flexibility
• Foster collaborative teamwork with other NPI and UC academics and others to address priority research and evaluation topics.
• Foster collaborative teamwork with the Department of Public Health and Department of Education partners.
• Interact with UC ANR Program Teams, specialists and others within the research/extension network to develop, strengthen and expand research.
• Build relationships to work with diverse populations.

Professional Development & Lifelong Learning
• Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with federal, state and county governmental agencies, non-government organizations and others by providing independent science-based information.
• Maintain a program of continuous self-improvement by participating in trainings, seminars, workshops, staff meetings, work group & program team meetings, short courses, professional society meetings and other relevant opportunities.

Reporting Relationship: The position is administratively responsible to NPI Project Scientist for the conduct research and evaluation. The position is directly reporting to the NPI Director. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education
A minimum of a Ph.D. in community nutrition, nutritional epidemiology, public health, health policy or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Preferred background includes experience with state and federal nutrition assistance programs, and specifically with school meals.

Key Qualifications
• Demonstrated Experience with human nutrition, including research on specific micronutrients/ macronutrients, and experience studying ultraprocessed foods.
• Experience in management and execution of community-/school-based nutrition research projects.
• Qualitative research skills which include sampling plans, data collection methodology and data analysis methods, data coding, thematic analysis, and interpretation of findings. Experience with qualitative software: NVivo, Dedoose, AtlasTI, etc.
• Primary authorship in peer-reviewed journals and academic conference presentations of research findings.
• Ability to produce well designed presentation materials using PowerPoint or other related software applications.
• Ability to work on multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize, and complete work efficiently in the face of competing demands.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills are required.

Desired Experience
• Experience teaching and/or mentoring graduate students in public health and/or public health nutrition.
• Experience with Covidence or other systematic literature review software.

Additional Requirements
• This is not a remote position.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
• We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire 4 and must maintain such authorization without UC sponsorship throughout the duration of the position. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at View email address on jobswipe.net .
• A background check will be required for the successful candidate. Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment to comply with California law.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting the required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals
• 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.
Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Affirmative Action

About UC ANR
UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the UC system's expertise by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, economic development, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic
prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education at county-based UCCE offices across 70+ locations, serving all 58 counties. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for the positive difference it makes in people's lives.

Learn More About
• UC ANR , UC ANR Mission Statement and UC ANR's Strategic Vision 2040
• Nutrition Policy Institute
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
• UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
• UC ANR uses seven Public Value Statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UCANR's Civil Rights Compliance Policy .
• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community . We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Project Scientist Non-Represented is Assistant Rank, Step I ($80,200) to Step V ($98,300) annually. Step placement in this series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Project Scientist Non-Represented salary scales, please refer to the University of California Salary scale

The Project Scientist is a definite term appointment. This position is guaranteed for 2 years with the possibility for renewal for a third year, dependent on performance. Performance in this position is evaluated annually. The position will be extended based on the continuous need for the position, performance and availability of funding.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including 2 days of paid vacation per month, 1 day of paid sick leave per month, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC's Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website Benefits

How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #26-19). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To ensure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 19, 2026 - (open until filled).

Questions?
Contact Kahla Wallace at View email address on jobswipe.net

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.

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 or federal law.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research and Extension - Please submit a 2-page Statement of Research and Extension Interests including how your current and/or past research and extension experience could contribute to, or be applicable to, the needs of the local community. Provide examples of potential goals and outcomes from your research and extension activities.

• References - Please submit a page of 3-5 references with contact information (include phone # and email address)

• College Level Transcripts - Electronic transcripts or legible scanned copies (PDF) of original transcripts will be accepted. Transcripts must identify course work completed, grades earned, degrees conferred and confer dates. Please DO NOT send transcripts that are password protected.

Reference requirements

• 3-6 required (contact information only)

About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Job location
Oakland, CA



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