Recruit

We seek to hire a Junior Specialist to conduct research in soil microbiomes, using molecular biology techniques as part of larger projects focused on characterizing viral roles in soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. Primary duties will involve processing soil samples for nucleic acid extraction; executing field experiments; purchasing and preparing field and laboratory supplies; and bioinformatic and statistical analyses. Minimum requirements to fit the position would be a Bachelor's degree in Genetics, Genomics, or a related field, and preferred qualifications would include experience in a molecular biology laboratory and bioinformatics experience.

Research (90%):
The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:
• Assist the PI by performing viral particle purification and nucleic acid extractions of viral and other microbial communities from soil, using autoclaves, molecular biology equipment, and molecular biology techniques as part of larger projects focused on characterizing viral roles in soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry.
• Assist the PI by culturing bacteria, archaea, and their viruses from soil to contribute to the group’s culture collection, and work with the PI to develop and execute experiments on the culture collection.
• Maintain a well-organized lab notebook detailing laboratory procedures, results (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction yields), sample IDs, and sample locations, and share lab notebook information with the PI during regular meetings (approximately every 1-2 weeks).
• Assist the PI in designing and executing field, greenhouse, and laboratory microcosm experiments. The field and greenhouse sites to be visited most regularly are within ~35 min of the UC Davis campus, but occasional travel to field sites up to 4.5 hours away is possible and may involve overnight stays (accommodations and transportation to be covered by the PI’s grants). Supervise small teams of undergraduates on field expeditions.
• Assist the PI with bioinformatics data processing and analysis of sequencing and other omic data, for example using our high-performance computing cluster and the R programming language.
• Assist the PI in manuscript preparation, including but not limited to: preparing tables and figures, statistically analyzing data, reading scholarly literature, writing methods and results sections, and revising manuscripts.

Professional competence (5%):
• The incumbent will participate in weekly lab meetings and will be encouraged to attend weekly seminars in the Department of Plant Pathology.
• The incumbent will be encouraged to read scientific literature to assist with experimental design and interpretation.

University and Public Service (5%):
• As a component of university service, the incumbent will be available to serve on one or more departmental committees as suggested by department administration.
• As a public service, the incumbent will also be encouraged to provide occasional research updates at public events such as those held by UC Cooperative Extension.
• Assist the PI and other lab members in shared tasks required for running a safe research laboratory, such as eyewash checks, fire extinguisher checks, ensuring secondary containment for hazardous chemicals, and appropriate storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

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.

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.