Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 at Step 1 or $56,600 at Step 2.

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: December 10, 2024

Next review date: Thursday, Dec 26, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jan 3, 2025 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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking two highly motivated Junior Specialists to join the Ronald Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis to assist in carrying out genetic analyses of CRISPR-Cas9 edited rice, tomato, and/or Arabidopsis lines.

Applicants are expected to have an interest in genetics, molecular biology, plant biology, and large datasets. The incumbent must be a motivated, organized, independently driven individual who is able to work and collaborate with members of the lab in a professional manner. She/he must therefore be willing to learn and have excellent organization skills, including short-term and long-term time management. As a major contributor to research studies, the incumbent is expected to contribute to scholarly manuscripts, outreach publications and reports, and present work at lab meetings. Work will be conducted in the lab and in campus greenhouses.

NATURE AND PURPOSE: The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using the three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Research: 80%
The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:

• Assist the PI and postdoc in development and establishment of experimental design, study set up, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and contribute to preparation of reports for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Assist in keeping the laboratory and greenhouse maintained.
• Project development will involve active engagement of literature in project development and interpretation beyond that expected in a purely technical capacity, including use of literature for hypothesis development, development of literature reviews, development and optimization of protocols and analytical methods, and development of introductory and discussion material in the preparation of manuscripts and reports. Some literature will be provided (books, research articles), but it is expected that the incumbent will conduct literature searches to identify additional materials.
• Assist the PI in development of grant proposals based on preliminary data collected in previous studies conducted by the incumbent, including development of project objectives, experimental methods and project background information.
• This position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentorship (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory maintenance duties.

Professional Competence 15%

• The incumbent will present research at lab meetings and to other campus groups. Presentations will be delivered in either poster and oral presentation formats. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop presentation abilities in laboratory meetings, the Joint Bioenergy Institute and the UC Davis plant pathology department retreat, as well as other local (on-campus) events.

University and Public Service 5%

• As a component of university service, the incumbent may be asked to serve on one or more department committees, such as the Department Safety Committee or the Facilities Committee.
• As a public service, the incumbent will also be encouraged to deliver oral presentations at public events, such as those held at Winters High school.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• This position requires at least a B.S. in Plant Science, Plant Biology, Biology, Genetics, Plant Pathology or a related discipline (or if not yet graduate, experienced in techniques).

NOTE: The junior specialist rank is an entry level position; accordingly, it is inappropriate to hire applicants with advanced degrees in this field, or those with BS degrees and three years’ relevant work experience

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• A valid California driver’s license, as substantial travel within California is required.
• Able to lift at least 30 lbs. and work outdoors under challenging environmental conditions (ex. Greenhouse work).

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Previous research experience in a related area preferred; experience working with plants and computational systems highly desirable.
• Previous experience with DNA extractions and PCR analysis. Additional experience with RNA extractions, qRT-PCR, protein extractions, and microbial growth is preferred. Candidate must be willing to learn.
• Experience with molecular biology highly desirable.
• Basic knowledge of plant propagation and maintenance preferred.
• Basic experience with aseptic technique is preferred.
• Basic skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; some experience with statistical analysis and computational tools strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ideally with experience in both outreach and professional communication styles.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

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

• Cover Letter - Please answer the following prompts as your cover letter:

  What was your major and why did you choose it?
  
  
  What was your favorite college biology course, and why? (Community college and Bachelor’s-granting universities considered)

  200 words or less per question. Answers could include (1) your interest in the topic area (2) your career goals and/or (3) why you chose UC Davis. (Communication tip: Shorter answers that communicate your ideas clearly are stronger than long answers. Honest/thoughtful responses are the most important evaluation criteria)

• Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit
  (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 1-4 required (contact information only)

Help contact: lvaldovinos@ucdavis.edu

ABOUT UC DAVIS

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. 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.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit:

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at:

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

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.

JOB LOCATION

Davis, CA

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