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Assistant Specialist - Marino/Culumber Lab

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Position overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $56,600-$65,200. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Position description

The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking an Assistant Specialist in research activities involving tree crop physiology and orchard soil biochemistry with PIs Mae Culumber and Giulia Marino. This is a full time, one-year position based at the Kearney Research and Extension Center (KARE) located at Parlier (CA), 3 hours driving distance from the main UC Davis campus. This position may require up to 4 hours of driving per day. The position will involve conducting laboratory and field research focused on tree physiology, soil biochemistry and orchard systems management under abiotic stress (drought, salinity, and high temperature). The Assistant Specialist will work directly with the PIs and is expected to coordinate and interact with different project collaborators.

The successful candidate will be actively involved in publishable research activities, participate in research planning, implementation, and analysis, with opportunities for co-authorship or acknowledgement in publications. Applicants are expected to have an interest and experience in research related to tree physiology, soil science and horticulture.

Per UCD-APM 330, Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization. It is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. Research in specialized areas (90%)

A. Literature reviews and literature summary preparation.
B. Statistical analysis including R, and graphic data preparation.
C. Prepare scientific presentations in PowerPoint.
D. Development of interactive websites.
E. Contribute to scholarly manuscripts through data interpretation, development of figures, writing and review of manuscripts.
F. Review and present pertinent literature at lab meetings and journal club.
G. Occasionally assist other laboratories’ personnel with laboratory, greenhouse, and field research activities, including sample collection and processing.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

A. Attend seminars on topics related to fields of interest.
B. Attend the annual tree nut commodity workgroup meetings and activities including but not limited to Annual Almond Board of California Conference and Pistachio Day
C. Participate in training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.

III. University and Public Service (5%)

A. Lead tours and give presentations to visiting scientist and industry representatives.

B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A. Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Agriculture, or a closely related field (at time of appointment)
B. Experience with organizing and processing lab data analysis
C. Experience in physiological field data collection
D. Must be able to communicate proficiently in English, both in writing and orally

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

E. Valid California driver’s license

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

F. Experience in data organization, storage and presentation
G. Creative, with an eagerness to learn
H. Ability to maintain an organized data set, workspace and lab space
I. Previous experience with stem water potential measurement, gas exchange measurements and use of dataloggers and sensors in the field

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05509

Help contact: licruz@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

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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

Kearney Research and Extension Center (KARE), Parlier, CA