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ASSISTANT SPECIALIST, GRAIN CROPPING SYSTEMS LAB (Lundy Lab)

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Position description

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCES

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ASSISTANT SPECIALIST, GRAIN CROPPING SYSTEMS LAB

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 three basic criteria (Research, Professional Competence, and University and Public Service) outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a motivated Assistant Specialist to work in the Grain Cropping Systems Lab under the direction of CE Specialist Mark Lundy. The individual will be based on the UC Davis campus and will conduct agronomic research on farmer fields and research stations located across the state of California. They will provide assistance on industry collaborative research and extension projects in grain cropping systems and provide general assistance to the lab group. Position will require work with various types of grain and forage crops in field settings and will also involve conducting laboratory research and general laboratory duties related to soil and plant nutrient analysis. Current research projects include relating high-throughput phenotypic measurements recorded at the field scale to crop performance under diverse growing environments, developing a quantitative understanding of genotypeXenvironmentXmanagement interactions in California grain crops, and creating innovative and dynamic extension education content for California growers. The Assistant Specialists will report to the Principal Investigator and work closely with graduate students, undergraduate students and other academics in the lab. Responsibilities will include planting, maintaining and harvesting agronomic grain and forage trials using specialize, research-scale farm machinery, monitoring and measuring the plant-soil environment using a mix of traditional and novel agronomic methodologies and technologies, performing laboratory analysis on plant and soil material, and assisting in the summary and presentation of data to academic and extension audiences. The successful candidates will be actively involved in publishable research activities including participation in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results as well as participating in outreach activities and appropriate acknowledgement in publications. Applicants are expected to have interest and experience in agronomy, agroecology and/or farm management.

Research (90%):
• Implement multi-location agronomic experiments and collect physical and digital observations of the plant-soil environment throughout the growing season.
• Develop templates and protocols for data procurement, and organize and maintain file structures for the various sources of data collected by the lab group.
• Summarize field data. Produce graphical, tabular and written summaries of the experimental data to be presented to stakeholders in writing, web and oral form. Maintain and update the web-based portals of information produced by the project, and prepare reports.
• Follow and, when appropriate, develop and/or revise protocols for tests and procedures related to the use of measurement devices and tools.
• Oversee the efforts of undergraduate students working on the lab’s research activities.
• Operate and maintain an inventory of specialized equipment and disposables used in agronomic field research. Maintain the laboratory environment in a safe and organized manner, including keeping inventories of key equipment, chemicals, and disposables.
• The research will enable the candidates to be significantly involved in publishable research, with acknowledgment in publications.

Professional Competence (5%):
• Attend seminars and/or meetings on topics related to fields of interest.
• Make presentations at meetings and/or conferences
• Participate in scientific discussions with peers to enhance knowledge and confidence.
• Review manuscripts and/or proposals.
• Participate in training programs to enhance skills
University and Public Service (5%):
• The candidates will also participate in activities of committees with the Plant Sciences Department, college, campus and other university entities as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications
• Masters degree in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Agroecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Sciences, (at time of appointment) Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• Prior experience in crop production systems and cropping systems research.
• Experience organizing, processing and analyzing data.
• Applicants must show attention to detail, be willing to maintain a flexible schedule and be able to regularly lift a 50-pound weight.
• Must be able to communicate proficiently in English, both in writing and orally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with farm machinery, agronomic research methods, and specialized/field-scale research machinery and tools.
• Experience with plant-soil sampling and analysis.
• Experience with standard software (Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word).
• Experience with or willingness to learn R, QGIS, and Pix4D software programs.
• Experience writing academic reports, papers and/or developing extension-oriented content.
• Posses a valid California driver’s license and be able to take field trips that will require overnight stays.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory concepts and lab safety.
• Familiarity with or experience in an academic research environment.
• Bilingual in Spanish

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A. Masters degree in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Agroecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related field (degree at time of appointment)
B. Prior experience in crop production systems and cropping systems research.
C. Experience organizing, processing and analyzing data.
D. Attention to detail
E. Must be able to communicate proficiently in English, both in writing and orally.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

F. Maintain a flexible schedule
G. Regularly lift a 50-pound weight
H. Posses a valid California driver’s license and be able to take field trips that will require overnight

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

I. Experience with farm machinery, agronomic research methods, and specialized/field-scale research machinery and tools.
J. Experience with plant-soil sampling and analysis.
K. Experience with standard software (Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word).
L. Experience with or willingness to learn R, QGIS, and Pix4D software programs.
M. Experience writing academic reports, papers and/or developing extension-oriented content.
N. Familiarity with basic laboratory concepts and lab safety.
O. Familiarity with or experience in an academic research environment.
P. Bilingual in Spanish

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

  • 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 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04255

Help contact: craubach@ucdavis.edu

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Job location

Davis