"UC Cooperative Extension Specialist- Produce Safety Systems"

UC Cooperative Extension Specialist- Produce Safety Systems, located at the USDA-ARS Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Center in Salinas, CA.

Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist at the Assistant or Associate rank. This role focuses on improving the safety of fruits and vegetables in California through One Health strategies, addressing foodborne pathogen risks and compliance with regulations like the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct applied research on produce safety topics, including mechanisms of E. coli O157:H7 introduction and persistence.
• Develop cross-disciplinary collaborations to improve food safety systems.
• Lead efforts on best practices for pre- and post-harvest produce safety.
• Provide leadership and science-based information to industry stakeholders.
• Catalyze funding for a Produce Safety Response Network.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Counties of Responsibility: Focus on the Salinas Valley and northern Central Coast, working with ANR Advisors and partners statewide.

Qualifications and Skills Required:
Ph.D. in agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, produce safety, food science, environmental microbiology, or related field. Extensive experience in applied research, communication, and stakeholder engagement is required.

Salary & Benefits:
Assistant Rank: $87,700 to $114,800 annually; Associate Rank: $109,000 to $137,800 annually. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, holidays, and sabbatical eligibility. For more details, refer to the UC salary scales and UC Benefits website.

How to Apply:
Visit https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and refer to position #25-20. Application packets must be received by July 23, 2025 for full consideration.

UC ANR is committed to inclusive excellence and equal opportunity employment.