Recruit

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.

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

The Michelmore Lab studies the classical and molecular genetics of plants and their pathogens, with particular emphasis of lettuce and downy mildews. This includes genomic approaches to understand the molecular basis of disease resistance in plants as well as of the changes in virulence of pathogens. These efforts are integrated with classical plant breeding aimed at releasing breeding lines with more durable disease resistance. In direct collaboration with the Principal Investigator, this position will support research activities focused on plant breeding objectives as well as supporting the generation and analysis of transgenic and edited plants. Specific duties include the coordination of greenhouse activities and field trials, making crosses, and analyzing progeny, genetically and phenotypically; data analyses will include the integration of molecular genetic and phenotypic information. This position will assist with stakeholder feedback via posters and presentations as well as assist with student lab projects related to genetic analysis, for example, extracting pedigree data from databanks and verifying pedigree relationships.

This position requires involvement in acquisition of research funding and a strong commitment to collaborative research. The hired candidate will coordinate and contribute to grant applications for lettuce research and will also assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the PI.

The hired individual must be able to drive small trucks and lift light weights (<25 lbs).

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

Depending on interest and availability of funds, the Assistant Specialist will have opportunities to present research findings to a larger audience at meetings on the UC Davis campus and elsewhere. The candidate will also assist the investigator in presenting progress reports and final summaries to granting agencies and grower groups, participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations, and review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The Assistant Specialist will participate in training activities, such as mentoring undergraduate students. They will actively contribute to lab activities via meetings and unit/campus presentations. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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.