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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.

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.