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The laboratory of Dr. Matthew Fidelibus (Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis, located at the University of California Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier, California) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a multidisciplinary team investigating the biochemistry, gene expression, and genetic traits important to raisin grape production, with a focus on “natural” dry-on-vine (NDOV) trait.

The work location will be USDA-ARS facility at 9611 S Riverbend Ave, Parlier, CA.

Research (90%): This postdoctoral position supports research on the phytochemical composition and molecular regulation of raisin quality traits, with a strong focus on flavonoid and anthocyanin metabolism in grapes intended for raisin production. The postdoc will work across lab, greenhouse, and field environments, contributing to high-impact research supporting innovation in “natural” dry-on-vine raisin grapes. The candidate will work closely with both PI, other USDA collaborators and lab members to design and implement a variety of projects. Although table grapes are part of the research background, this position is specifically focused on raisin-oriented grape genetics, physiology, and postharvest traits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform HPLC and related metabolite analyses for profiling flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds in grape samples and pre-harvest grape tissues.

• Conduct molecular biology experiments (e.g., RNA/DNA extraction, qRT-PCR, gene marker analysis, and transcriptome-based analysis (RNA-seq).

• Investigate berry shattering and associated genetic pathways.

• Assist with or lead plant tissue culture and in vitro propagation relevant to raisin grape research.

• Participate in greenhouse and field trials, with emphasis on NDOV trait to evaluate genotype-environment interactions affecting raisin production.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data; contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Professional Competence and Activities (5%): The candidate is expected to work semi-independently with oversight from the PI and co-PIs. The candidate will assist in preparing data figures, tables, and summaries of results for progress reports for the funding agency. The candidate will keep a detailed laboratory notebook or digital notebook, including experimental methods and results. The candidate will write research results for publication by drafting sections of the manuscript and assisting with editing the full manuscript. The candidate will attend seminars on topics related to fields of interest, participate and present in lab meetings and journal clubs, and engage in scientific discussions with collaborators. The candidate will present research findings at suitable external scientific meetings, either on campus or elsewhere, depending on the availability of funds. Additionally, the candidate may participate in training programs to enhance knowledge and skills, depending on their long-term goals.

University and Public Service (5%): The Postdoc will actively contribute to lab activities through meetings and unit/campus presentations, participate in public outreach activities, and assist with mentoring student interns.

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.
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