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Assistant Project Scientist in Solar Canals

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Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist in Solar Canals
Salary range: Salary scale begins at $84,000 annually, salary is commensurate with qualifications and based on University of California pay scales
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Start date is negotiable but intended to be as soon as possible.
Position duration: 1 year

Position description

The Kurtz Laboratory directed by Dr. Sarah Kurtz is looking for a self-motivated, creative, enthusiastic and highly qualified Project Scientist who is an expert in solar canals to evaluate data taken from solar panels installed in a canal-like configuration. The study will evaluate and quantify the benefits of collocating solar panels with canals. For reference, the applicant may consult “Energy and water co-benefits from covering canals with solar panels” (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00693-8). The new study will extend the previous theoretical study to evaluation of experimental data for comparison with the previous modeling.

The successful candidate will have previous training and established track record in solar canal evaluation. The Project Scientist is expected to stay abreast of recent publications in the field, carry out the research independently and as part of a team, and document the research both in reports to the project team and in appropriate publications. The Project Scientist is also expected to assist with mentoring graduate students and undergraduate students who will support the project. Travel to partner and end-user facilities may be required. This is a one year project.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Applicants must have obtained a PhD in a field related to the project. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Additional qualifications

Highly self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated the ability to conduct scientific research successfully and work independently are desirable.

Preferred qualifications

The candidate should have/will have demonstrable experience in the following areas: 1) advanced understanding of solar panel operation and how proximity to a canal would affect the performance of the solar panels, and 2) advanced knowledge of the effects of solar panels on canals (evaporation and aquatic growth).

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

Please provide a list of two references with contact information including: mailing address, phone number and e-mail address; this will be submitted through the AP Recruit system

Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01221

Help contact: soe-deptspecialist@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced 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.

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. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.

Job location

Merced, CA