Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: La Jolla, California
Salary: $87,700 - $114,800
Application Due Date: 7/6/2025 (next review date); 9/30/25 (final date - 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)
Position Overview:
Housed at the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) at UC San Diego’s School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences, and with connection to UC ANR’s statewide network through the UC ANR Office of Innovation, this is a crucial new role that will integrate advanced computational and data science techniques with food, agriculture, and natural resources innovations. The Computational Data Science Specialist will spearhead the development of AI-driven technology solutions, focusing on sustainable farming practices, climate resilience, food security, and fire resilience. By harnessing SDSC's expertise and resources in data science, AI, and advanced computing, the specialist will explore new horizons and the future of food systems solutions through digital agriculture, enhancing crop yield predictions, pest management, and resource optimization. The specialist will sit within the Societal Computing and Innovation Lab, best known for its work leveraging cyberinfrastructure to support wildland fire management. The position will collaborate closely with colleagues at Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute and across UC San Diego, including at the ProWESS Center.
UCCE Specialists develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that support the university’s efforts to extend knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research describes the complete research continuum that extends from basic research to applications of research results. This research is generally applied in nature and has, as a goal, the solution of a problem facing society that is related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist’s discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of research publication types, whether peer-reviewed or not, based on the relevant audiences served by the UCCE Specialist’s program.
Position Details:
Major duties and responsibilities include:
Collaboration with UC San Diego faculty and UC ANR’s network of advisors, specialists, statewide programs and institutes, as well as external stakeholders, to conduct applied research and disseminate research results.
Research and development of impactful computational data science solutions focused on food and natural systems. Potential foci include:
AI and machine learning
Data and computing systems for modeling and scientific simulation
Scalable spatial models and decision support tools
Precision agriculture
Image processing and remote sensing
Digital twins for complex environmental systems
Design and testing robotic systems
Biotechnology applications of computational data
Wildland fire resilience
Spearhead efforts to translate research findings into real-world solutions and applications, creating user-friendly tools and guidelines to facilitate the adoption of new technologies in agriculture and natural resources.
Develop data-driven tools with strong visualization, interactivity, integration with decision-making practices, user testing, and collaborative learning.
Foster a community of practice between researchers, industry professionals, and agriculture and natural resource practitioners to trial and refine new technologies in real-world settings, promoting evidence-based adoption.
Extend research results via educational programs such as forums, conferences, workshops, and direct consultations with farmers, agribusiness, agricultural educators, and land managers, focusing on the latest advancements in computational agriculture, precision farming, sustainable practices, and wildland fire management.
Seek research and extension funding from federal and state agencies as well as industry sources.
Publish findings, best practices, and case studies in accessible formats, including peer-reviewed journals, ANR outlets, industry magazines, and relevant online platforms to widen the reach and impact of research outcomes.
Key Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience in applying computational and data science methodologies within the food, agricultural, or natural resource fields.
A demonstrated record of research in computational data science
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
A strong publication record
A track record of effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders
Experience in leading collaborative research teams
Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used are required. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a university vehicle.
Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence of being able to meet the required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements.
Desired Experience:
Studies in food, agricultural, or environmental sciences
Experience with integrated research and educational projects and extension to diverse audiences
A track record of applying for and securing grant funding
See the “Apply” or “Learn More” links below for more information about required skills, salary and benefits, and UC ANR.
