Recruit

The Department of Plant Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist in biochemistry and plant biology to join the lab of Dr. Yann-Ru Lou. We are a research team investigating the evolution of plant chemical diversity with biochemical and plant synthetic biology approaches.

Performance in Research (90%): This position requires technical and specialized contributions to an active research program. The candidate will design and carry out multi-prong approaches to elucidate acylsugar biochemical pathways in Solanaceae, and analyze herbivore responses toward different acylsugar phenotypes. The candidate will have regular consultations with the Principal Investigator (PI) to apply the obtained biochemical knowledge to plant synthetic biology.

He/she will design and carry out specific projects, including development of protocols, selection of methods and techniques, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments. The candidate is expected to generate various constructs for heterogenous gene expression in E. coli and Nicotiana benthamiana, and CRISPR-mediated mutation in solanceous plants such as tomato. The candidate is also expected to purify protein and perform in vitro enzyme assays that get analyzed on LC-MS. Other potential research responsibilities include genotyping and phenotyping CRISPR mutants and carrying out insect performance assays on plants.

The candidate will summarize data, prepare figures, and have the opportunity to assist in writing manuscripts for publication and grant proposals. To train the candidate for this role, the candidate is expected to participate in lab meetings and peer review under the mentorship of the PI.

The candidate will also order and stock needed lab supplies, assist the lab in maintaining equipment and aligning with UC Davis lab safety requirement, and contribute to plant care as well as other lab hygiene and maintanence duties.

Professional Competence & Activity (5%): The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to the weekly lab meeting and journal club discussion. The candidate will attend seminars and may present research results and is encouraged to interact with professional interest groups.

University and Public Service (5%): The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public.

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

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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.
UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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.