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Jr. Specialist - Plant Physiology

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Position description

The UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a Junior Specialist (50% appointment) in Plant Physiology in the Zwienieck Lab Group. The position will involve conducting laboratory and field research focused on a project called the Carbohydrate Observatory. This is a citizen science project that studies trends of sugar and starch in horticulture species important to the California fruit and nut industry including: pistachio, almond, walnut and prune. The Junior Specialist will work directly under the PI and closely with undergraduates, postdocs, graduate students, extension specialists and growers to support our research. The successful candidate will be actively involved in publishable research activities including participation in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results, as well as appropriate co-authorship or acknowledgement in publications. Applicants are expected to have an interest and experience in research related to fruit biology and plant pathology.

I. Research in specialized areas (90%)
*Assist with collection of tree twigs in orchards
*Conduct chemical analyses for starch and sugar content in wood and bark of tree
*Data analysis and quality control of data quality control of data and
*Keep track of all sample
*Record keeping of all sample
*Track grower’ sampling submission
*Assist other lab personnel in coordination of procedures, sample collection, processing and experiments for different and varied projects.
*Mentor undergraduates in the lab
*Purchase supplies for the
*Ensure proper functioning of lab equipment

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)
*Attend seminars on topics related to fields of interest.
*Participate in training programs to enhance knowledge and skills

III. University and Public Service (5%)

  • May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
  • Lead tours and give presentations to delegations of visiting scientists and industry representatives.
  • Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Plant Physiology, Plant Sciences, or closely related fields. The successful candidate must be able to conduct active fieldwork and laboratory work. He/she/they must be extremely organized, efficient and maintain the ability to work well with others as part of a large team.

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 bachelor’s degrees and three years’ relevant work experience. (See APM-UCD 330)

SALARY: $39,500/year (This is a 50% appointment for 1 year with the potential to extension based on performance and availability of funds.)

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

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Job location

Davis, CA