Recruit

Overview:
The Williams Lab (in collaboration with the iBUG Lab [Prof. Jeremy Hemberger] at the University of Minnesota) is seeking candidates for a 2-year postdoctoral research position exploring the impacts of summer heat waves on the pollination of sunflowers in the CA Central Valley. The project includes: (1) experimental tests of extreme heat impacts on pollen viability of different sunflower cultivars, (2) field observational work on the effects of heat waves on pollinator visitation, pollen transfer and seed set in field situations using current pollination biology methods, and (3) modeling of heat wave impacts on specialty seed crop production across California growing regions. The successful postdoc will lead the field aspects of 1 and 2 with the potential to collaborate on work monitoring heat sensitivity of different native pollinator species using remote cameras with members of the iBUG Lab. The postdoc will be responsible for coordinating on-campus experiments, organizing and carrying out field trials with the seed-grower community, and coordinating a modest-sized research team of student assistants. The postdoc will work collaboratively on data analysis and a pair of research publications from the study. The postdoc will lead grant reports throughout the project with the support of Williams.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lead field and greenhouse work on pollination of sunflowers. Set up experimental heat wave trials to examine impacts on pollen viability. Coordinate data collection for all aspects of research. Lead data analysis and preparation and submission of manuscripts and reports. Actively mentor graduate and undergraduate students as part of the research team.

Research (90%):
• Lead regional field assessment of sunflower pollination under different environmental conditions
• Set up test plantings of approved sunflower cultivars at UC Greenhouses and with specialty seed producers.
• Coordinate with seed companies on obtaining material in a timely manner and manage relationship with them
• Oversee field crew assisting on experimental and field observation work throughout the spring and summer seasons.
• Collect experimental and observational field data.
• Coordinate and mentor field and lab research members within the Williams Lab
• Data checking and summary from all project elements
• Writing Reports for funding agency
• Preparing 2 primary literature papers

Professional Competence (5%)
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and contribute to discussions on experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Attend departmental seminars and relevant symposia, meetings on entomology, pollinator health to stay current with the field.

University and Public Service (5%)
• As a component of university service, be available to serve on departmental committees or help with outreach events when appropriate.
• Contribute to public service by helping prepare research updates for presentations at stakeholder meetings, field days, and extension events.

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.