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NATURE AND PURPOSE
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 mentorship, 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.

Overview:
We seek a Junior Specialist to support research and outreach on honey bee health, Varroa mite control, and pollinator conservation. The role includes designing and conducting lab and field studies (survival, feeding, pest management assays), maintaining records, assisting with diagnostics, and analyzing data for publication.

Beyond research, the position involves public engagement through educational programs, pollinator garden maintenance, and community events. The Junior Specialist will collaborate with students, colleagues, and stakeholders, promoting pollinator health and awareness. Flexibility is required for outdoor work and occasional evening, weekend, or holiday events.

Research (60%)
• Assist with the design, execution, and maintenance of laboratory-based honey bee bioassays (e.g., survival studies, feeding trials, Varroa mite experiments, experimental feed, larval and adult assays).
• Assist with conducting field studies on honey bee health, including Varroa mite control and nutrition strategies.
• Prepare samples (bees, mites, experimental diets) for disease and pest counts and molecular analyses; perform diagnostic testing; maintain detailed sample records and organize datasets.
• Prepare treatments, monitor bioassays, and collect data at scheduled intervals for studies testing candidate products and nutritional supplements.
• Design and conduct research on pollinator–plant interactions in the Bee Haven garden to support education and outreach programs.
• Maintain an organized laboratory notebook and share updates with the PI during regular meetings.
• Assist with preliminary data processing and statistical analysis (Excel, R, GraphPad Prism).
• Assist with general maintenance and management of colonies used for research in the Nino Lab.
• Contribute to figure preparation, literature reviews, and writing of methods/results for reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with students, visiting scientists, and partner researchers; participate in data discussions to strengthen experimental design and interpretation.
• Work flexible hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Support general laboratory operations, including inventory management, reagent preparation, equipment checks, waste disposal, and safety.
• Prepare the laboratory spaces (Briggs and Laidlaw) for fire and safety inspection and ensure safety training is completed by the lab members. Work closely with the Facility manager to ensure safety.

University and Public Service (35%)
• Assist with performing beekeeper services for colony testing and management (Bee Health Hub).
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs and materials (e.g., self-guided tours, signage, handouts, labels) for public audiences, UC Davis students, K–12 and youth groups, train-the-trainer programs, and landscape, nursery, and garden center professionals
• Manage outreach platforms, including the website and social media (Facebook, Instagram).
• Build collaborations with industry participants and horticulture organizations statewide.
• Conduct surveys and assessments to measure program impact; revise materials annually.
• Travel for site visits, grower outreach, bee observations, specimen collection, and conference presentations when appropriate.
• Collaborate with educators to expand garden-based learning and provide professional development to stakeholders and the community.
• Lead Honey Bee Haven tours and engage with campus visitors and UC partners.
• Ensure safe and sustainable garden operations:
o Maintain safety certifications and ensure compliance
o Oversee irrigation, hardscaping, carpentry, and plant collection management (inventory, placement, labeling, removal)
o Develop plant collection strategy based on pollinator–plant research
o Review expenditures and income with the Haven Director for budget compliance
• Contribute to departmental committees and support public service through research updates, stakeholder presentations, field days, and extension events.

Professional Competence (5%)
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and contribute to discussions on experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Attend departmental seminars and relevant scientific symposia.
• Stay current with scientific literature to inform research and hypothesis generation.

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

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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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