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Jr. Specialist- P. H. Brown Lab

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Position overview

Salary range: $46,800, Step 1
$49,800, Step 2

Position description

The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist to work under the direction of Dr. Patrick H. Brown (Department of Plant Sciences).

The Junior Specialist will be involved in several research projects related to irrigation management, salinity management, and nutrient management in tree crops (e.g. almond and cherry). The candidate will predominantly assist with different field experiments in California orchards that investigate the patterns of tree nutrient uptake over time, the effect of irrigation and fertigation timing on salt damage in almonds, and the benefits of removing boron from the irrigation water during different periods of the season.

We’re seeking a Junior Specialist with a background in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Soil Science, Plant Sciences, or a related field with an interest in conducting agricultural field research. The successful candidate will participate in activities such as collecting plant tissue samples, collecting porewater samples, setting up drip irrigation systems that allow the application of different treatments, processing samples in the lab and setting up computer simulations of soil water flow. Other responsibilities will include training and mentoring student assistants as well as purchasing and maintaining equipment needed for field research. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on skills in implementation of experimental protocols, interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Research in specialized areas (90%)
The candidate will contribute to field research investigating topics relevant to irrigation, salinity, and nutrient management in tree crops. Under the supervision of the principal investigator the candidate will perform the following duties:

60% Field Work
• Collect plant tissue samples from fruit trees
• Collect porewater samples using suction lysimeters
• Collect soil samples
• Help with setting up and maintaining drip irrigation systems
• Creatively contribute to the development and improvement of protocols
• Mentor and supervise student assistants
• Purchase, transport, and maintain necessary equipment and materials

15% Lab Work
• Wash and grind leaf samples
• Grind almond kernels, hulls, and shells using liquid nitrogen
• Measure the electrical conductivity of water samples
• Dilute water samples
• Prepare samples for submission to the analytical lab

5% Data Organization and Processing
• Enter data into spreadsheets
• Basic data analysis using R
• Create figures from data
• Set up computer model simulations using the HYDRUS software

10% Literature Review and Writing
• Conduct literature searches on specific aspects of irrigation, salinity, and nutrient management of selected tree crops
• Contribute to drafting and reviewing manuscripts.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)
The candidate will attend seminars, workshops and conferences (e.g. the Almond conference) to build professional competency in a range of disciplines relative to irrigation management, salinity management and nutrient management.

III. University and Public Service (5%)
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include giving tours and explanation of research results to farmers, non-profits, state agencies, and industry during workshops and field days.

Salary Range: Step I- $46,800 annually or Step II - $49,800 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/. Applicants should submit a Cover letter, Diversity statement, Curriculum Vitae, and Transcripts. Please provide contact information for 2-4 recent references.

All letters of recommendation, if requested, will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Daniela Reineke (dreineke@ucdavis.edu).

The University of California, Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. 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.

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 http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/). If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A. Bachelor degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Soil Science, Plant Sciences or related field (Degree must be obtained by time of appointment.)
B. Experience conducting field work
C. Experience with the following methods/procedures:

  • Collecting plant tissue samples from fruit trees
  • Washing leaves and grinding leaf samples using a ball mill
  • Collecting porewater samples using suction lysimeters
  • Measuring the electrical conductivity of water samples
  • Diluting water samples

D. Experience with setting up and maintaining drip irrigation systems

E. Programming skills in R

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

F. Experience with the following methods/procedures:

  • Obtaining soil samples using a Madera probe
  • Separating roots from soil
  • Experience setting up geometries for soil water flow simulations using the software HYDRUS 2D/3D

G. Experience working with tools like drills, soil augers, and shovels

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter

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

  • 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)

  • Transcripts (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04327

Help contact: sgersalia@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

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: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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.

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Job location

Davis, CA