Staff Research Associate (SRA 2 NEX)

Under general supervision, the candidate will conduct, manage, and monitor field and lab research related to weeds in rice cropping systems. Responsibilities include conducting field and greenhouse research to evaluate herbicides and other weed control methods specific to rice. The candidate will be responsible for setting up and managing field research plots, overseeing irrigation, utilizing and maintaining field equipment, collecting research data, and analyzing the data using statistical software. Additionally, the individual will prepare ARM reports for field trials and conduct greenhouse research to optimize herbicide efficacy. Experience with rice cropping systems is required.

Apply By Date May 1, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Pesticide application license.
• B.S. plant science, plant protection with at least three years of experience in rice herbicide research.
• Experience in designing and managing field, greenhouse, and lab experiments.
• Experience in herbicide, including application, effectiveness, and safety.
• Experience in coordinating data collection and ensuring data is organized for statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of California rice cropping system, basic understanding of aquatic weed management techniques, particularly in irrigation systems and rice fields.
• Basic knowledge of field research equipment (e.g., sprayers, GPS systems).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree with PCA certification.
• Experience with herbicide application.
• Experience with herbicide evaluation.
• Knowledge of herbicide application.
• Knowledge of herbicide evaluation.
• Ability to conduct field and greenhouse research.

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Conduct and Manage Laboratory and Filed Research
• 15% - Data Acquisition, Security, Analysis and Reporting
• 5% - Community Outreach and Support
• 5% - Manage Laboratory and Pesticide Safety Program
• 5% - Equipment and Instrument Operation, Fabrication, Maintenance and Repair

Department Overview

The Plant Sciences Department Business Unit has an annual estimated operating budget for teaching, research and outreach of $40M+, composed of state funds, extramural funds, endowments and sales income. This is a large, complex department with 70 faculty and over 500 staff (representing 332 FTE) stationed on the Davis campus and at several off-campus locations throughout the state. Department missions include undergraduate and graduate teaching, research and outreach, including Cooperative Extension, in agricultural plant biology, crop and ecosystems sciences and horticultural sciences. Department faculty are housed in 8 buildings on central campus and at various field stations. Provide service to over 40 green/head houses and numerous other special facilities used in teaching, research, and outreach. In addition to regularly scheduled classes, faculty are responsible for a large number of seminar, internships, and research units each quarter. Approximately 417 undergraduate student FTE are taught annually; there are 6 undergraduate majors with a total enrollment of 355 students as well as 137 graduate students.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.88/hr. - $46.46/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
• UC Job Code: 009617
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan, and our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here.

The University of California, Davis, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks