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NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc.), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will conduct research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

The Assistant Project Scientist will lead a research project that aims to improve the genomic understanding of plant-parasitic nematodes, with an emphasis on root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and the mechanisms underlying resistance-breaking (Rk-breaking) populations that overcome host resistance in vegetable cropping systems. Specifically, the candidate will generate and analyze high-quality whole-genome assemblies of polyploid root-knot nematode isolates, perform comparative and population genomic analyses to characterize the genetic basis of resistance-breaking phenotypes, and conduct transcriptomic (RNA-seq) studies to identify genes and effectors associated with virulence and host adaptation. The candidate must have experience culturing and maintaining plant-parasitic nematode populations on host plants, performing nematode phenotyping and virulence assays, extracting high-quality nucleic acids from nematodes, and conducting bioinformatic analyses of chromosome-level genome assembly, variant calling, and differential gene expression. The Assistant Project Scientist will be employed by UC Davis in the laboratory of Dr. Shahid Siddique in the Department of Entomology and Nematology and will work full-time under his supervision.

The candidate is expected to develop and execute protocols to conduct the research, analyze the data using appropriate statistical and computational methods, and report on the outcomes of the work in the form of project meetings, grant reports, and peer reviewed scientific manuscripts. In addition, the candidate is expected to work in a highly collaborative environment with university researchers, undergraduate students and lab technicians, as well as stakeholders from the leafy greens and vegetable industry.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Research in Specialized areas (95%):
The candidate will characterize the genomes of root-knot nematode populations, including resistance-breaking isolates, by generating chromosomal level whole-genome sequence assemblies and implementing bioinformatic pipelines for assembly, annotation, and variant analysis. The candidate will conduct comparative and population genomic analyses to identify genomic features associated with resistance-breaking, and will perform transcriptomic (RNA-seq) studies and wet-lab functional characterization to resolve the expression of virulence-associated genes and effectors during host infection. The candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining nematode populations on host plants in a greenhouse, and for conducting virulence and phenotyping assays on a panel of resistant and susceptible vegetable and leafy green genotypes. As such, the candidate will be expected to independently design research projects, implement research protocols, analyze the data using the appropriate statistical and computational methods, and to publish research results in scientific peer reviewed journals. In addition, the candidate must be able to work collaboratively with the director and other members of the research team and assist in preparing required grant reports. Responsibilities are broken down as follows: Demonstrate significant, original, and creative contributions to the outlined research (75%), publish research results in scientific peer reviewed journals (15%), and assist in the preparation of grant reports (5%).

Professional Competence and Activity (5%):
The candidate will participate in grower and extension meetings, workshops, and present abstracts at scientific conferences specific to the field of nematology, plant pathology, and genomics. The candidate will engage with and advise students to enhance the overall mission of the research program and to promote teamwork, cooperation, and a trustworthy and secure work environment.

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.

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 or 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.

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 is also a national leader in inclusive practice. 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.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.