University of California - Davis is hiring: Science Communication and Scaling Of

Job Summary

The Science Communication and Scaling Officer will serve as a key leader within the Horticulture Innovation Lab, advancing the global use and impact of horticulture-related innovations. This high-level position focuses on fostering partnerships, informing research priorities, and elevating the role of horticulture in global food systems discussions. The officer will work closely with the management team, including the director, associate director, and regional research directors, to ensure the program effectively promotes its innovations and locally led approaches. The role involves significant international travel, with assignments in regions such as East Africa, West Africa, Central America, and South Asia.

Apply By Date: January 6, 2025

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

1. Advanced degree (MS) in agricultural development, horticulture, social sciences, or a related field.
2. Demonstrated experience in building international partnerships and advancing innovation use.
3. Strong background in research analysis, data visualization, and scientific communication.
4. Willingness to travel internationally for 1-4 weeks at a time to regions such as East Africa, West Africa, Central America, and South Asia.
5. Proven ability to work across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, private sector actors, and farmer groups.
6. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting at global conferences and publishing in high-impact journals.

Preferred Qualifications

1. PhD in agricultural development, horticulture, social sciences, or a related field.
2. Experience working with Feed the Future Initiatives and other federal government entities.
3. Experience in R or other statistical analysis software.
4. Experience utilizing graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva or other.
5. Knowledge of key players and stakeholders in the field of agriculture for development.
6. Knowledge of University Policy and Procedures.

Key Responsibilities

1. 30% - Partnership Development and Scaling
2. 30% - Research Integration and Thought Leadership
3. 25% - Scientific Communication and Knowledge Translation
4. 15% - Monitoring Evaluation, and Program Support

Department Overview

The Horticulture Innovation Lab was funded in September 2021 and is building up its staff to deliver the 19-million-dollar program in fruit and vegetable research in the Global South.

The Science Communication and Scaling Officer will effectively translate technical research outputs into formats designed for uptake by a wide range of audiences. Information products will include reports, peer-reviewed publications, presentations, webinars, policy briefs, infographics, among other options. Within this capacity, the Science Communication and Scaling Officer will need to have strong background in interpreting data (social, biophysical) and helping research project teams translate that data into digestible formats that speak to the successes of the research and also communicating findings for uptake by policy makers, farming cooperatives, development agencies, private companies, and other key stakeholders.

This role will be assigned internal projects associated with the activities of the Management Entity including assisting in the analysis of project outcomes and internal research activities, along with drafting associated reports and information deliverables based on that analysis. This position will also be tasked with supporting the Horticulture Innovation Lab's efforts to share findings through conferences and other presentations, along with being a representative of the Horticulture Innovation Lab themselves at these types of events.

The Science Communication and Scaling Officer, in their role, will assist the Innovation Lab in monitoring project progress and impact within the framework of its Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and developing strategies for how to effectively communicate that impact. Within this role, the officer will assist the Innovation Lab in gauging project progress and effectiveness during in-person and remote interactions with projects around the world.

The Science Communication and Scaling Officer will also assist in helping the Innovation Lab reach programmatic goals supporting the coordination meetings with key stakeholders, helping make sure the Innovation Lab and its projects are following USAID and UC Davis guidelines, and assisting the Innovation Lab staff in responding to administrative tasks assigned to us by USAID. This role is considered a critical position in the Horticulture Innovation Lab that will need to act as a key point of contact for project teams and the Horticulture Innovation Lab's Regional Research Directors to ensure the program is effectively highlighting the successes of its locally led approach.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.82 - $47.61/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 19
• UC Job Title: PROJECT POLICY ANL 2
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals.

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements

• N/A

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here.