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Assistant Project Scientist - Wheat Genetics and Breeding

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Position description

The major responsibility of this Project Scientist position is the characterization of the regulation of wheat flowering by photoperiod and to complete the objectives presented in grant proposal 2016-67013-24617 recently funded by USDA-NIFA. The overall goal of this project is to understand how PRR37 activates FT-like genes and flowering in wheat (a LD-grass) and represses FT-like genes and flowering in sorghum (a SD-grass). To investigate this difference the project scientist will address the following specific objectives. 1) Determine the cause of the reverse activity of PRR37 in LD and SD grasses. SbPRR37 represses FT-like genes and flowering in sorghum whereas the orthologous TaPRR37 protein in wheat induces FT-like genes and flowering. 2) Compare the epistatic interactions between PRR37 and CO1 in wheat and sorghum and test the effect of CO2 in wheat flowering time. 3) Elucidate the underlying biochemical mechanisms of the regulation of FT by PRR37.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES (70%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of wheat photoperiodic response. The candidate will help to evaluate and adjust research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. The project scientist will design specific experiments, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases the candidate may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. The project scientist will be responsible for all the crosses and for the maintenance and characterization of the plants used in the different experiments. The candidate is expected to maintain detailed electronic records of the different experiments and provide this data and summary tables and explanations to the PI every four months.

PUBLICATIONS (20%)
The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

GRANT ACQUISITION (5%)
The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (3%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. The candidate will give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2%)
The candidate will make presentations of his/her scientific research results to small grains growers and industry during field days. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as invited lectures, committee service, participation at University activities such as Field Days, Picnic days, and other events. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

One year position with the possibility of extension based on funding.

Qualifications: The candidate must have a PhD in biological sciences or genetics, demonstrated experience in wheat genetics and in wheat flowering pathway. The selected candidate should have experience in the development of genome specific markers, cloning, quantitative PCR, and screening of TILLING populations

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 1-5 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA