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The UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center seeks a full-time Junior Specialist to assist the PI, Dr. Matthew Fidelibus, to collect important data to better understand grape cluster arm abscission and natural berry drying, which will inform the USDA raisin grape breeding program and help refine cultural practices for natural dry-on-vine raisin varieties.

The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant histology and contribute to cutting-edge research in Viticulture. The ideal candidate will be organized, collaborative, and enthusiastic about learning and discovery. We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Junior Specialist to support ongoing research in raisin development, with a particular emphasis on histological techniques and microscopic imaging. The successful candidate will assist with sample preparation, imaging, and data analysis for studies focused on plant anatomy and physiology. This position contributes to our central role in advancing research in plant biology and agricultural science, including efforts to characterize naturally dried-on-vine (NDOV) raisin varieties.

This position will be located at the
UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center, in Parlier, CA.

No prior experience in viticulture is required; training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare and embed plant tissues using paraffin or resin-based techniques.
• Operate and maintain microtomes to produce high-quality tissue sections.
• Prepare, stain, and mount slides for microscopic examination.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and follow safety and quality control protocols.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including USDA researchers.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to sample preparation and sectioning.
• Provide flexible support to new projects and team initiatives.

RESEARCH (90%)
• Play an integral role in the development and management of research data pipelines supporting the UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center
• Support and advise the UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center with tissue and slide preparation to advance research.
• Collaborate and support the UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center for research publications and dashboards.
• Contribute to data synthesis and presentation for academic and extension audiences.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE & ACTIVITY (5%)
• Participate in group meetings and training activities.
• Engage in publishable research activities, including participating in discussions about research directions, interpreting results, and contributing to scientific publications.

UNIVERSITY & PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The candidate will assist in recruiting, overseeing and working with undergraduate students. Mentoring will include teaching the students about tissue preparation and microscopic examination.
Work Environment:
• This position is located at the UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center, located at Building 114, Lab 5.
• Work involves office, laboratory and field settings, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Collaborative work under the guidance of USDA-ARS researchers, including scientists and field support staff from the Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems ARS-USDA unit.

Per APM 330: it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

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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