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Jr. Specialist- Small Grains Breeding, Dubcovsky Group

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Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $49,000 at Step 1 or $52,200 at Step 2

Position description

The UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a highly motivated Junior Specialist to work in the Small Grains Breeding and Testing Program under the direction of Professor Jorge Dubcovsky and breeder Joshua Hegarty.

The individual will be based on the UC Davis campus and will assist in all aspects of breeding new cultivars of triticale, wheat, and barley and testing of varieties at multiple location across California. This will involve making cross pollinations and other tasks in a greenhouse and designing, installing, evaluating field trials in Davis and at multiple locations across the state. This person will also assist with basic data analysis and writing of reports and publications and will be responsible for collecting plant tissue and assisting with laboratory work. In addition, this person will be required to become FAA Part 107 certified to operate drones as part of the field trial data collection.

In support of the variety testing program this position will work closely with the Grain Cropping Systems Lab directed my agronomy specialist, Mark Lundy, which conducts agronomic research which will involve additional tasks of soil sampling and tissue collection and grinding. 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/or experience in agricultural sciences (including but not limited to agronomy, agroecology, sustainable agriculture, farm management, environmental sciences, soil science, computer science, ecology).

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 outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE **
**I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

A. Work in the Small Grains Breeding and Testing Program under the direction of Professor Jorge Dubcovsky and breeder Joshua Hegarty. Assist in all aspects of breeding new cultivars of triticale, wheat, and barley and testing of varieties at multiple location across California. Involved in making cross pollinations and other tasks in a greenhouse and designing, installing, evaluating field trials in Davis and at multiple locations across the state. In support of the variety testing program this position will work closely with the Gran Cropping Systems Lab directed by agronomy specialist, Mark Lundy, which conducts agronomic research which will involve additional tasks of soil sampling and tissue collection and grinding. 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.

  1. Assist in the planning and implementation of multi-location agronomic experiments.
  2. Collect physical and digital observations of the plant-soil environment throughout the growing season.
  3. Follow templates and protocols for data entry, and organize and maintain file structures for the various sources of data collected by the lab group.
  4. When appropriate, develop and/or revise protocols for tests and procedures related to the use of field measurement devices and tools.
  5. Summarize field data. Produce graphical, tabular and written summaries of the experimental data to be presented within the lab group and to stakeholders in writing, web and oral form.
  6. Assist in the planning and implementation of public facing forums for extending research results.
  7. The research will enable the candidates to be significantly involved in publishable research, with acknowledgment in publications.

B. Assist with basic data analysis and writing of reports and publications and will be responsible for collecting plant tissue and assisting with laboratory work.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
A. Attend seminars on topics related to fields of interest.
B. Participate in scientific discussions with peers to enhance knowledge and confidence.
C. Participate in training programs to enhance skills.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
A. 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 (required at time of application)

A. Bachelor degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Sciences, or another related field at time of appointment.
B. Demonstrated attention to detail and Ability to organize and process data (some experience in R and/or QGIS is a plus).

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

C. Ability to work in an outdoor environment under a variety of conditions
D. Must have or obtain soon after hiring FAA Part 107 certification for operating unmanned aircraft.
E. Must have a valid driver’s license at time of appointment and be able to take field trips that will require overnight stays and be willing to maintain a flexible schedule.

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

F. Experience with plant breeding and/ or agronomic research.
G. Experience with farm machinery and/or field-scale research machinery.
H. Familiarity with or experience in an academic research environment.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05749

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