UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Computational Data Science for Agriculture and Natural

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist in Computational Data Science for Agriculture and Natural Resources, based in La Jolla, CA. This role involves integrating advanced computational techniques with agricultural innovations, focusing on sustainable practices and food security. The specialist will work at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and collaborate with various UC San Diego departments on research and educational programs.
UC Cooperative Extension Specialist - Computational Data Science
for Agriculture and Natural Resource Technologies Located at the
University of California, San Diego (25-17)

University of California Agriculture and Natural
Resources

Application Window

Open date: May 7, 2025

Next review date: Sunday, Jul 6, 2025 at 11:59pm
(Pacific Time)

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

Final date: Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 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), in collaboration with the University of California, San
Diego, invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension
Specialist at the Assistant rank.

Housed at the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) at UC San
Diego's School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences, and
with connection to UC ANR's statewide network through the UC ANR
Office of Innovation, this is a crucial new role that will
integrate advanced computational and data science techniques with
food, agriculture, and natural resources innovations. The
Computational Data Science Specialist will spearhead the
development of AI-driven technology solutions, focusing on
sustainable farming practices, climate resilience, food security,
and fire resilience. By harnessing SDSC's expertise and resources
in data science, AI, and advanced computing, the specialist will
explore new horizons and the future of food systems solutions
through digital agriculture, enhancing crop yield predictions, pest
management, and resource optimization. The specialist will sit
within the Societal Computing and Innovation Lab, best known for
its work leveraging cyberinfrastructure to support wildland fire
management. The position will collaborate closely with colleagues
at Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute and across UC San Diego,
including at the ProWESS Center.

UCCE Specialists develop and conduct research and educational
programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities
outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily
focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that support
the university's efforts to extend knowledge, including outreach
and community engagement. Mission-oriented research describes the
complete research continuum that extends from basic research to
applications of research results. This research is generally
applied in nature and has, as a goal, the solution of a problem
facing society that is related to the mission of the UCCE
Specialist's discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists
publish the results of applied research in a combination of
research publication types, whether peer-reviewed or not, based on
the relevant audiences served by the UCCE Specialist's
program.

The extension program disseminates knowledge and information to
clientele groups for their use in improving their abilities to
understand and address problems and opportunities facing them. The
extension educational program serves the University's public
service mission. Educational program activities include but are not
limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE
Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or
clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials;
communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic
media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and
presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating
in workshops, field tours, symposia or conferences. Much of this
work is conducted in partnership with UC ANR's locally based UCCE
Advisors. The UCCE Specialist - Advisor and faculty partnership
creates an applied research network that benefits both the
University and the public at large. This position does not include
formal classroom instruction at the University.

Location Headquarters. The University of California, San Diego, at
the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) in San Diego, CA.

Position Details

Major duties and responsibilities include:
• Collaboration with UC San Diego faculty and UC ANR's network of
advisors, specialists, statewide programs and institutes, as well
as external stakeholders, to conduct applied research and
disseminate research results.
• Research and development of impactful computational data
science solutions focused on food and natural systems. Potential
foci include:

o AI and machine learning

o Data and computing systems for modeling and scientific
simulation

o Scalable spatial models and decision support tools

o Precision agriculture

o Image processing and remote sensing

o Digital twins for complex environmental systems

o Design and testing robotic systems

o Biotechnology applications of computational data

o Wildland fire resilience
• Spearhead efforts to translate research findings into
real-world solutions and applications, creating user-friendly tools
and guidelines to facilitate the adoption of new technologies in
agriculture and natural resources.
• Develop data-driven tools with strong visualization,
interactivity, integration with decision-making practices, user
testing, and collaborative learning.
• Foster a community of practice between researchers, industry
professionals, and agriculture and natural resource practitioners
to trial and refine new technologies in real-world settings,
promoting evidence-based adoption.
• Extend research results via educational programs such as
forums, conferences, workshops, and direct consultations with
farmers, agribusiness, agricultural educators, and land managers,
focusing on the latest advancements in computational agriculture,
precision farming, sustainable practices, and wildland fire
management.
• Seek research and extension funding from federal and state
agencies as well as industry sources.
• Publish findings, best practices, and case studies in
accessible formats, including peer-reviewed journals, ANR outlets,
industry magazines, and relevant online platforms to widen the
reach and impact of research outcomes.

Counties of Responsibility: This state-wide position will serve the
agriculture and natural resource sectors across California. This is
an exciting opportunity to impact diverse communities throughout
the state.

Reporting Relationship: The position will be located at the UC San
Diego campus in San Diego, CA, with an appointment in the School of
Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS). UC ANR will
oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC
ANR CE Specialists, in consultation with the appropriate UC San
Diego Department Chair. The CE specialist will also hold an
additional 0% (uncompensated) appointment as a Research Scientist
or Adjunct Professor at UC San Diego. It is not a remote position;
the candidate must be available to work onsite at the UC San Diego
campus.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Education: A minimum of a Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in
computational science, AI, software engineering, or a closely
related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants
who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of
completing their degree to be considered for the position.

Key Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in applying computational and data
science methodologies within the food, agricultural, or natural
resource fields.
• A demonstrated record of research in computational data
science
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication
skills
• A strong publication record
• A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of
stakeholders
• Experience in leading collaborative research teams
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed,
proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle
used are required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License
to drive a university vehicle.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective
University of California academic title series and evidence of
being able to meet the required academic advancement criteria as
per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document
relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate
scholarly achievements.

Desired Experience
• Studies in food, agricultural, or environmental
sciences
• Experience with integrated research and educational projects
and extension to diverse audiences
• A track record of applying for and securing grant funding

Skills Required

To be successful, UCCE Specialist positions require skills in the
following:

Technical competence
• Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority
issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups being
served.
• Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension
applied research and educational programs to address the identified
priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR's
Strategic Vision and ANR Initiatives.
• Conduct applied research designed to monitor changes and solve
statewide and locally relevant problems related to the
intersections between computational data science and the
agriculture and natural resource sectors in California.

Communication
• Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform
clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele
needs and appropriate for the audience and situation.
• Maintain and promote UC ANR Cooperative Extension's credibility
by providing science-based knowledge.
• Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and
potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through
a variety of outreach methods e.g., peer-reviewed publications,
internet, workshops, and newsletters.

Collaboration & Teamwork
• Build collaborative working relationships with CE Advisors, CE
Specialists, Academic Coordinators, and program staff across UC
ANR, via participation in program teams and work groups. Engage
with ANR programs including the UC ANR VINE team, the Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), and the Organic
Research Insititute, as well as ANR's Research and Extension
Centers.
• Engage with a network external to UC ANR with agricultural and
natural resource industry stakeholders, agencies that serve
farmers, California commodity boards, and government agency
partners.
• Interact with campus academic colleagues to create synergies
that will advance the programmatic goals of the UC San Diego School
of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS).
• Collaborate with colleagues at Halıcıoğlu Data Science
Institute and across UC San Diego, including at the ProWESS
Center.
• Interact with the UC San Diego School of Computing, Information
and Data Sciences (SCIDS) and other relevant UC San Diego schools
and departments via occasional lectures and other academic
functions (such as serving on dissertation committees, oral exams,
etc.) as appropriate. Per UC Academic Personnel Policy 334,
Specialist in Cooperative Extension Series, the teaching of regular
undergraduate or graduate courses will not be a responsibility of
the position.
• Engage in campus faculty meetings, campus faculty committee
service, and other activities of the UC San Diego faculty as
appropriate.

Lifelong Learning
• Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with
state government and agencies related to computational data science
related to agriculture and natural resource technologies in
California.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth - both professionally
and as a person.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The beginning salary will be in the Assistant Cooperative
Extension Specialist Rank Step 1- $87,700 to Step 6 - $114,800
annually. "Off-scale" salaries, which yield compensation that is
higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank
and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive
conditions. Step placement in this series is based on applicable
experience and professional qualifications. For information
regarding the Cooperative Extension Specialist series salary
scales, please refer to

https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t29.pdf

This position is eligible for indefinite status, subject to terms
noted in Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM).
If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE specialist with
indefinite status, the candidate will be offered the position
commensurate with applicable experience and professional
qualifications with eligibility to retain such indefinite
status.

The Cooperative Extension Specialist position is a two-year
renewable term appointment. Performance in this position is
evaluated annually, with merit actions being evaluated every two
years. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be
reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this
definite term appointment is to be reappointed based on positive
performance reviews and the continuing need for the position.

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

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California system that
bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC
system 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, 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 from county-based UCCE offices
serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. 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 has to offer. Our vision is that
UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful
engagement and making a positive difference in people's
lives.

About the University of California, San Diego

UC San Diego is recognized as one of the top 20 research
universities worldwide, with a culture of collaboration that sparks
discoveries that advance society and drive economic impact. UC San
Diego is transforming California and a diverse global society by
educating, generating, and disseminating knowledge, and by engaging
in public service. UC San Diego's new School of Computing,
Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS) meets a critical need of
modern society to transform data into actionable knowledge across
disciplines to advance data science, AI education, and technology.
SCIDS encompasses the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute and the San
Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC). SCIDS aims to improve the human
condition by better understanding how data shapes society, and to
prepare the next generation of highly skilled workers driving
artificial intelligence advancements.

Learn more about
• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
• UC San Diego
• San Diego Supercomputer Center
• Societal Computing and Innovation Lab
• Halıcıoğlu Data Science 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 UC ANR uses seven Public Value statements to communicate
how our work makes a difference to the public.
• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's
commitment to UC ANR's Affirmative Action 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.
• 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

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants"
(refer to position #25-17. An in-person finalist interview may be
required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets
must be received by June 16, 2025 (open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Tatiana Avoce; email: tavoce@ucanr.edu

Applicants may wish to explore the UC Davis Services for
International Students and Scholars web page at https://siss.ucdavis.edu/ as a resource.

University of California Cooperative Extension

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 - 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 provide three references (names, titles and
contact information).
• Transcripts - 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.

On your Transcripts, please redact all personal information (date
of birth, social security number, resident status, etc.) prior to
uploading.

Reference requirements
• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Three names, titles and contact information.

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

San Diego, CA

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00318

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