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The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment) 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. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Ron Runnebaum. The ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment will be very important for this work.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85 % EFFORT)
Ron Runnebaum, Ph.D., is a UC Davis Professor in the Viticulture and Enology Department Professor and Chair of the Viticulture and Enology Department as well as in Chemical Engineering. His research combines sustainable winemaking with his expertise in nanomaterials, focusing on CO₂ and VOC capture, converting winery waste into valuable chemicals, and designing solid-state materials to replace less sustainable treatments. He also studies how nanomaterial structures affect chemical adsorption and reactions. Dr. Runnebaum is currently investigating methodologies and techniques to alleviate the impact of wildfire smoke on grape composition and wine quality.

The incumbent in this position will:

• Conduct greenhouse trials to elucidate the impact of wildfire smoke on various cultivars of wine grapevines.
• Facilitate and conduct chemical analyses to adequately document the impact of smoke on grape and wine composition.
• Sample preparation through several common extraction techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction and solid phase extraction
• Analysis of smoke-derived compounds via GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS methodologies
• Analysis of cuticle wax via GC-MS/MS and SEM
• Conduct sensory evaluations of wines:
• Preparing documents for submission to the IRB
• Communicating with internal lab members and external researchers to properly conduct experiments
• Assisting in all activities related to sensory evaluations and data acquisition
• Analyze and integrate chemical and sensory datasets
• General Responsibilities:
• Managing datasets, records, and research documentation
• Educating and mentoring volunteers and students in the laboratory as required
• Maintaining proper care of instrumentation and performing preventative maintenance when required
• Updating/modifying standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10 % EFFORT)

• Participate in appropriate professional/technical groups and other educational and research organizations.
• Participate in publication of research activities such as reviewing journal articles and presentation.
• Develop and submit publications including abstracts and manuscripts.
• Attend and present at local and national research meetings and conferences. For example, attend and present at the American Society of Enology and Viticulture national conference or the American Chemical Society national conference.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)

• Participate in departmental activities such as other research groups’ sensory studies or attending exit seminars for master’s students.

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

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state for federal law.

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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