The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), a leading public research university, offers a diverse array of jobs in higher education, particularly appealing for those interested in academic careers near Sacramento, California. As part of the renowned University of California system, UC Davis is known for its excellence in agriculture, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, engineering, and sustainability studies. Located in Davis, just 15 miles west of Sacramento, the main campus provides a vibrant academic environment, while the UC Davis Health system in Sacramento expands opportunities in medical and clinical fields.
Jobs at UC Davis span faculty positions, research roles, administrative staff, and support services. Whether you're a PhD holder seeking tenure-track roles or a professional aiming for administrative jobs, UC Davis emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and impact. The university employs over 20,000 staff and faculty, contributing to its status as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution committed to public service.
Founded in 1905 as the University Farm, UC Davis evolved into a full-fledged university in 1959. Its growth mirrors California's agricultural heritage, becoming a global leader in food science, animal health, and environmental research. Today, with more than 39,000 students and a $1 billion+ research expenditure annually, UC Davis attracts top talent for jobs that drive discovery.
The university's history of excellence shapes its job market, prioritizing hires who advance its mission of solving real-world problems. From pioneering the world's first veterinary school to leading climate change research, UC Davis jobs offer involvement in groundbreaking work. For those exploring university jobs, UC Davis stands out for its legacy of fostering careers in higher education.
UC Davis features various position types tailored to academic professionals. Faculty roles include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjunct professors. Research positions encompass postdoctoral scholars, research assistants, and principal investigators. Administrative jobs cover HR, executive leadership, and support staff. Clinical roles at UC Davis Health in Sacramento are prominent for healthcare professionals.
For a full breakdown, visit university job types.
To understand jobs at UC Davis, key terms include:
Jobs at UC Davis demand rigorous qualifications. Faculty roles typically require a PhD in the relevant field, such as agronomy for agricultural sciences or biomedical engineering for health-related positions.
Research focus areas include sustainable agriculture, veterinary medicine, neuroscience, and climate science. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ in top journals), grant funding from NSF or NIH, and teaching at university level.
Essential skills and competencies:
Candidates with experience in equity-minded practices are favored, aligning with UC Davis's inclusive ethos.
The application process for UC Davis jobs begins on the recruitment portal at hr.ucdavis.edu. Submit a CV, cover letter, research statement, teaching statement, and three letters of recommendation. Diversity statements are often required.
Actionable tips:
Deadlines vary; academic jobs post in fall for next year starts.
UC Davis champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), offering workshops, bias training, and recruitment for underrepresented groups. Programs like STRIVE and ADVANCE promote women and minorities in STEM faculty roles. The Cluster Hire Initiative targets diverse teams for interdisciplinary projects. In 2023, 45% of new faculty hires were from underrepresented backgrounds, reflecting commitment to inclusive excellence.
UC Davis supports work-life balance with generous parental leave (up to 8 weeks paid), flexible work arrangements, and employee assistance programs. The Davis campus is bike-friendly with over 20 miles of paths, farms, and recreational facilities. Proximity to Sacramento offers urban amenities. Employee wellness includes gym access, counseling, and sabbaticals for faculty. Campus life features farmers' markets, arts events, and Division I athletics, fostering a supportive community for long-term careers.
UC Davis invests in growth via the Center for Professional Development, offering leadership training, grant writing courses, and mentorship. Faculty access research seed funds, while staff benefit from tuition remission for UC courses. Links to higher ed faculty jobs and scholarships aid advancement.
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Jobs at University of California, Davis offer unparalleled opportunities in a dynamic environment near Sacramento. From faculty to research positions, leverage qualifications and skills to join this top institution. Explore more at higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
