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Assistant Project Scientist- Blumwald Lab

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Position description

The Department of Plant Sciences is recruiting for an Assistant Project Scientist to provide significant and creative research contribution to programs related to the interactions of plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The candidate will possess the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. Candidate will participate in activities to improve the ability of rice plants to grow in soils containing low inorganic nitrogen contents. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research, he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out 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.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH (85%)
A. Design, organize, and lead an innovative research program focusing on the ability of rice plants to interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These activities will include the genetic manipulation of plants and bacteria, the use of a Systems Biology approach to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways in plants and bacteria. The candidate should have a broad knowledge of molecular biology techniques, extensive hands-on experience in plant growth, large data analysis (gene expression, metabolomics) and plant transformation. Experience in chemical screenings including the design of suitable assays for large-scale screening is an asset.
B. Train, consult with, and advise graduate students and post-doctoral researchers with respect to design, analysis, and interpretation of scientific studies conducted in area of expertise.
C. Make substantive scientific, scholarly, and intellectual contributions by writing reports to funding agencies, and publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY 10%
The appointee will participate in professional societies and conferences both in California and nationally appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars and continuing education functions.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE 5%
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies.The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. degree in Plant Science, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Molecular Biology, or closely related field. The candidate must have experience in plant biochemistry, plant molecular biology and RNai and CRISPR in rice. Also require are a strong publication record in the study of nitrogen in model plants, as well as excellent communication skills both verbally and written. This position could require travel is occasional overnight stays for field work and meetings.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (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.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
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Job location

Davis, CA