Postdoctoral Scholar - Pires Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment.

See Table 23:
Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct, Fiscal Year. The salary range for this position is $69,073-$82,836. "Off‑scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Open date: October 1, 2025

Most recent review date: Friday, Oct 17, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Job characteristics: We are seeking a Post‑Doctoral Scholar that will work in veterinary epidemiology, animal health, biosecurity and food safety in the laboratory of Dr. Alda Pires, Department of Population and Health and Reproduction at UC Davis. The scholar will join an interdisciplinary team of epidemiologists, veterinary clinicians, microbiologists, researchers and extension specialists conducting applied research on development quantitative methods to improve animal health, infectious disease control, food safety and surveillance programs, as well as the implementation of outreach programs and translational science in national and international projects.

Responsibilities: The scholar will be based at UC Davis (Davis, California) and will work with epidemiologists, field veterinarians, extension specialists, farm advisors, other scientists and policymakers on a wide range of issues related to biosecurity, animal health and infectious diseases. This interdisciplinary project is in collaboration with UC Davis and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, stakeholders and industry collaborators. The candidate will be responsible for performing and participating in all aspects of a USDA‑funded research project focused on surveys, a systematic review of the current literature and educational materials, an on‑farm biosecurity project, including building capacity by developing train‑the‑trainer resources for stakeholders, developing train‑the‑train resources to build capacity among stakeholders.

The candidate will also be responsible for implementing outreach tools for diversified livestock production systems. Additional project opportunities include analyzing foodborne pathogens related, conducting quantitative risk assessments, and modeling infectious diseases.

The scholar will also be responsible for accurate record keeping, data analysis, manuscript writing, grant writing, presentation of original research work at local, national, and international meetings, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students as part of the Pires Lab team.

The candidate will have: (i) A Ph.D. in veterinary epidemiology, animal health or a related discipline with experience in veterinary epidemiology in the fields of infectious disease, disease control, and animal health, (ii) experience implementing biosecurity and surveillance programs in livestock, (iii) a strong and proven record of scientific accomplishment by peer‑reviewed publications, (iv) strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

The successful candidate must be able to (i) work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team; (ii) coordinate projects and manage confidential databases, conduct statistical analysis of data, demonstrate project management expertise; (iii) have strong interpersonal skills;
Ph.D. in veterinary epidemiology or related field;
Ph.D. must be awarded by the start of the position. Basic qualification must be met at time of application.

Valid Driver's License in CA or intention to have one.

The following additional qualifications will be considered: (i)…