Junior Specialists/Ronald lab (2)

We are seeking two highly motivated Junior Specialists to join the Ronald Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis to assist in carrying out genetic analyses of CRISPR-Cas9 edited rice, tomato, and/or Arabidopsis lines.

Applicants are expected to have an interest in genetics, molecular biology, plant biology, and large datasets. The incumbent must be a motivated, organized, independently driven individual who is able to work and collaborate with members of the lab in a professional manner. She/he must therefore be willing to learn and have excellent organization skills, including short-term and long-term time management. As a major contributor to research studies, the incumbent is expected to contribute to scholarly manuscripts, outreach publications and reports, and present work at lab meetings. Work will be conducted in the lab and in campus greenhouses.

NATURE AND PURPOSE: The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using the three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Research: 80%

The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:

* Assist the PI and postdoc in development and establishment of experimental design, study set up, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and contribute to preparation of reports for publication in peer reviewed journals.

* Assist in keeping the laboratory and greenhouse maintained.

* Project development will involve active engagement of literature in project development and interpretation beyond that expected in a purely technical capacity, including use of literature for hypothesis development, development of literature reviews, development and optimization of protocols and analytical methods, and development of introductory and discussion material in the preparation of manuscripts and reports. Some literature will be provided (books, research articles), but it is expected that the incumbent will conduct literature searches to identify additional materials.

* Assist the PI in development of grant proposals based on preliminary data collected in previous studies conducted by the incumbent, including development of project objectives, experimental methods and project background information.

* This position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentorship (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory maintenance duties.

Professional Competence 15%

* The incumbent will present research at lab meetings and to other campus groups. Presentations will be delivered in either poster and oral presentation formats. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop presentation abilities in laboratory meetings, the Joint Bioenergy Institute and the UC Davis plant pathology department retreat, as well as other local (on-campus) events.

University and Public Service 5%

* As a component of university service, the incumbent may be asked to serve on one or more department committees, such as the Department Safety Committee or the Facilities Committee.

* As a public service, the incumbent will also be encouraged to deliver oral presentations at public events, such as those held at Winters High school.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

* This position requires at least a B.S. in Plant Science, Plant Biology, Biology, Genetics, Plant Pathology or a related discipline (or if not yet graduate, experienced in techniques).

NOTE: The junior specialist rank is an entry level position; accordingly, it is inappropriate to hire applicants with advanced degrees in this field, or those with BS degrees and three years' relevant work experience

* A valid California driver's license, as substantial travel within California is required.

* Able to lift at least 30 lbs. and work outdoors under challenging environmental conditions (ex. Greenhouse work).

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

* Previous research experience in a related area preferred; experience working with plants and computational systems highly desirable.

* Previous experience with DNA extractions and PCR analysis. Additional experience with RNA extractions, qRT-PCR, protein extractions, and microbial growth is preferred. Candidate must be willing to learn.

* Experience with molecular biology highly desirable.

* Basic knowledge of plant propagation and maintenance preferred.

* Basic experience with aseptic technique is preferred.

* Basic skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; some experience with statistical analysis and computational tools strongly preferred.

* Excellent written and oral communication skills, ideally with experience in both outreach and professional communication styles.

• 1-4 required (contact information only)

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

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