The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a Project Scientist (Assistant Rank) with the Local Farm and Food Innovation Initiative (F3 Local). UC ANR coordinates a statewide network of researchers and educators in partnership with Counties that are dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental, youth, and health issues. Over 200 UC ANR UCCE academics conduct research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension offices in over 70 locations. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension, and education programs that support:
• Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
• Economic success in a global economy
• A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
• Science literacy and youth development
By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the UC system.
Purpose and Clientele:
The Project Scientist will conduct research and contribute to outreach and extension efforts to support development of scale-appropriate processing methods and value-added products for local food businesses and small-scale food entrepreneurs. Research efforts will focus on developing and improving processing and preservation technologies that are effective at control, removal or inactivation of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in products developed from local, niche, and emerging specialty crops. These efforts will also support the development of new recipes and products that can be used by the UC Master Food Preserver Program and Cottage Food operations. This position is part of the F3 Local Initiative (f3local.org), and the Project Scientist will work as part of a team of academics and extension professionals to increase economic development opportunities for local, small-scale farms and food businesses in Fresno, Madera, and Merced Counties.