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The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking an Assistant Specialist in research activities involving tree crop physiology and precision orchard management with PIs Giulia Marino and Paula Guzman Delgado. This is a full time, one year position based at the UC Davis campus. The position will involve conducting laboratory and field research focused on tree physiology, and Remote and Proximal Sensing for Precision 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 acknowledgment in publications. Applicants are expected to have an interest and experience in research related to tree physiology, horticulture, and precision agriculture with focus on orchard systems. Experience with image and big data analyses is highly valued.

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% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving tree physiology, and Remote and Proximal Sensing for Precision orchard systems management. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:

1) Literature reviews and literature summary preparation.
2) Field data collection of physiological and biometric data, experimental set up, sensors installation and troubleshooting.
3) Statistical analysis including R, image analysis, and graphic data preparation.
4) Prepare scientific presentations in PowerPoint.
5) Development of interactive websites.
6) Contribute to scholarly manuscripts through data interpretation, development of figures, writing and review of manuscripts.
7) Review and present pertinent literature at lab meetings and journal club.
8) Occasionally assist other laboratories’ personnel with laboratory, greenhouse, and field research activities, including sample collection and processing.

B. Serve as a research coordinator for research projects conducted by PIs in the department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

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

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

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

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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