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Assistant Project Scientist - Al-Khatib Lab

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Position description

The Department of Plant Sciences is recruiting for an Assistant Project Scientist to provide significant and creative research contribution to programs related to Weed Management in Rice. The candidate will possess the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. Candidate will participate in activities to increase, improve or upgrade competency related to Weed Management in California rice cropping systems. The Project Scientist may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research, he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (85%)
• Design, organize, and lead an innovate research program focusing on weed management, herbicide resistance in California rice cropping systems, use of cultural practices and novel approaches to prevent and manage herbicide resistant weeds. This will include field trials and laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data across a wide range of cropping systems and environmental conditions with an emphasis on increasing improve weed control and manage herbicide resistant weeds.
• Develop management alternatives by integrating agronomical and cultural practices to improve weed control, minimize costs, and reduces environmental impacts.

• Study mechanism of herbicide resistance in weeds and identify programs to manage resistant biotypes, Survey herbicide resistance in California rice fields by working with farm advisors. Growers, and PCA to confirm cross/multiple resistance in rice fields, and mapping the spread of resistance in California rice production areas.
• Train, consult with, and advise graduate students and post-doctoral researchers with respect to design, analysis, and interpretation of scientific studies conducted in area of expertise
• Make substantive scientific, scholarly, and intellectual contributions by writing reports to funding agencies, giving talks and seminars at industry and scientific meetings, and publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Lead acquisition of funding through proposal writing and coordination with funding agencies including federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations and private companies.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY 10%
• Participate in professional societies and conferences both in California and nationally appropriate to his/her specific field
• Serve as a reviewer for research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate

III. UNIVER AND PUBLIC SERVICE 5%
• Engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public including field days, trainings and workshops and providing relevant advice to individuals such as growers, other stakeholders or public agencies.
• Engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service.

Minimum qualifications.
a. Ph.D. degree in Weed Science, Agronomy, or closely related field (PhD must be obtained by time of appointment).
b. Valid California driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications.
c. Experience working with farmers and industry.
d. Experience in weed science, statistical models.
e. Publication record including peer-reviewed articles and/or conference presentations.
f. Excellent communication skills both verbally and written.
g. Experience in weed science research.
h. Experience in conducting field herbicide research.
i. Strong knowledge with data analysis and experimental design.
j. Experience and strong research record on mechanism of herbicide resistance in weeds.
k. Experience with rice cropping system.

To Apply: Qualified applicants should upload a Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Research, Cover Letter, and contact information for 3 to 5 references who are not employed at UC Davis.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

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 or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: [http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct]

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis-- indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • 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 https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA