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Assistant Project Scientist- Bailey Lab

Position overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $71,500-$93,300. “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.

Application Window

Open date: May 13, 2024

Most recent review date: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist to work under the supervision of Dr. Brian Bailey to study how plant structure and function affects crop biophysical processes across scales. Efforts involve novel experimental and modeling approaches to conduct basic and applied research in plant productivity and water-use efficiency and the development of precision management tools for woody perennial crops. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI). The position consists of 90% research, 5% professional competence activity, and 5% university and public service.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH (90%)

Research activity (50%)
This position requires creative and collaborative contributions an active research program developing high-performance computational tools that realistically simulate cropping systems to better understand how plant structure and function impacts biophysical processes across scales. Efforts involve novel experimental and modeling approaches to conduct basic and applied research in plant productivity and water-use efficiency and the development of precision management tools for woody perennial crops. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI). The candidate will design specific projects focused on developing new methods, computational analyses, and models across scales to quantify ecosystem fluxes and energy balance partitioning using high frequency ground-based datasets and remotely sensed data for vineyards and orchards. Efforts will include 3D simulation of physical processes across various crop canopy geometries using an existing modeling framework developed by the PI. In some cases, the candidate may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments.

Publication (30%)
The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of a large collaborative research team.

Grant Acquisition (10%)
The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

a. Experience developing and applying 3D crop models
b. Experience with 3D plant architectural measurement
c. Experience collecting plant ecophysiological measurements
d. Competence in computer programming
e. Demonstrated publication record in top peer-reviewed journals

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

f. Experience with C++ programming language
g. Experience with Helios 3D model application
h. Experience working in woody perennial cropping systems

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • 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.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06477

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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.

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Job location

Davis, CA