Assistant Project Scientist- Shackel Lab

This position will deploy, manage, and analyze a multi-site and year on-farm plant-based irrigation management project in Walnuts. Deployment will consist of in-field installation of plant-based sensors and water meters. Management will involve remote monitoring and troubleshooting, as needed, of these sensors and water meters. Management will also involve coordination among farm advisors, growers, and sub-contractors to make sure that manual as well as automated data streams coming from the study are accurate and archived in a timely manner. Ongoing data analysis as well as yearly summaries and preparation of reports will be required.

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 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 AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80%)

Research activity (60%)

This position requires creative, significant and original contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program on plant-based irrigation management in walnuts and other woody perennial crop plants. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she will modify/redesign specific experimental approaches, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate will help supervise technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including trouble-shooting problems and analyzing/interpreting results.

The candidate will organize/coordinate activities between producers, UC extension personnel, and NRCS. Technical responsibilities will include: 1) deploying and remotely monitoring/troubleshooting continuous plant-based sensors of water stress and irrigation amounts, and 2) consolidating and analyzing all trial data.

Periodic travel to sites located in the north, central, and south San Joaquin valley will be required of the candidate.

Publication (10%)

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 (10%)

The candidate will prepare the first draft of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

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.

When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or

educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (15%)

The candidate will participate in the annual walnut industry meeting as well as county-level meetings as appropriate to extend the research results to growers of walnuts and other woody perennial crops as appropriate.

The candidate may engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing.

The University will not offer sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States

A, PhD in plant biology/physiology (must be obtained at the time of appointment)

B. Research experience in whole plant water relations

C. Research experience in experimental design/statistics

D. Broad experience in management of field research

E. Experience in multi-disciplinary agricultural projects

F. Ability to effectively communicate with individuals across a spectrum of skills and technical interests (i.e., basic to applied science)

G. Programming experience (any language: SAS, R, java, etc.)

H. Motivated to solve practical agricultural problems

• 2 required (contact information only)

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• "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.
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