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The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis is seeking a part-time Associate Specialist position in the Lowe-Power Lab.

Under the supervision of Tiffany Lowe-Power, the Associate Specialist will support research activities related to molecular plant pathology of Ralstonia wilt pathogens. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Power and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment. The primary purpose of this position is to conduct research on the molecular mechanisms underlying host‑specific virulence within the IIB‑4 subclade of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex. The incumbent will contribute to experimental design, laboratory research activities, and data analysis supporting the research mission of the Lowe-Power Lab.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
Overview: The Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) pathogens are regulated quarantine pests with negative impacts on agriculture and plant products. The primary purpose of this position is to conduct research on the molecular mechanisms underlying host‑specific virulence within the IIB‑4 subclade of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex.

Major activities for the Specialist will include:

A. Apply specialized skills in plant pathology to design and conduct sensitive wilt disease progress assays of RSSC IIB‑4 strains on tomato and other host plants, and to analyze and interpret resulting data.
B. Apply specialized skills in R and computational pipelines to analyze large genomic and phenotypic datasets to identify candidate molecular determinants of host range and virulence.
C. Apply specialized skills in molecular bacterial genetics and molecular biology, e.g. targeted mutagenesis and chromosomal integration-based complementation to validate molecular mechanisms relating to host range, RNA analyses to assess gene expression,

D. Maintain an organized laboratory notebook, develop publication-quality figures with legends using Graphpad Prism and Affinity Designer software, and prepare a manuscript for publishing.

E. Collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research and lab management activities.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies.
B. Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in plant pathology and molecular bacteriology

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in the mentoring of junior lab members in the Lowe-Power lab at UC Davis as appropriate.
B. Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings
C. Contribute to departmental activities and seminars as appropriate

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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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.

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