Jr. Specialist - Marino and Brown Lab

The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a Junior Specialist for the Pistachio Cultivar and Rootstock Breeding and Evaluation Program, under the supervision of Professors Pat J Brown and Giulia Marino. This is a full time, two year position (with the possibility and the interest to extend it longer) based at the Kearney Research and Extension Center (KARE) located at Parlier (CA), 200 miles south of the UC Davis campus. Duties include conducting field and laboratory research focused on characterizing the productive, horticultural and physiological performance of different Pistachio genotypes and rootstock-scion combinations under different management (irrigation level, planting density etc.) and environmental condition (low chill, soil salinity, high temperature). The Junior Specialist will work directly with the PIs and is expected to coordinate and interact with project collaborators at UC Davis campus, and at various UC ANR and commercial sites.

The successful candidate will be actively involved in publishing research results, participate in research planning, implementation, and analysis, with opportunities for co-authorship in publications.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving the horticultural characterization of novel various Pistachio Cultivars and Rootstocks, under different environmental and management conditions. This includes but is not limited to:

1) Developing experimental designs and protocols

2) Coordinating with team members at UC Davis for sample collection and shipment

3) Building, calibrating and installing sensors for in field plant-based and environmental data collection

4) Performing field and laboratory data collection of biometric and physiological parameters, including bloom progression, nut quality parameters, yield data, tree growth, etc.)

5) Critically read scientific literature to define research objectives and protocols and interpret experimental results

6) Statistically analyze and interpret research data

7) Meet weekly with PI and others to discuss literature review, results and interpretations of data collected

8) Contribute to the production of scholarly manuscripts and extension and outreach material

1. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:
2. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
3. Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
4. Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
5. Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
6. Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.
   9) Assist with lab maintenance, purchasing and inventory of equipment and supplies for experiments, organization of lab storage facilities.
   B. Serve as a research coordinator for the "Pistachio Cultivar and Rootstocks Breeding and Evaluation Program" projects conducted by PIs in the department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10 % EFFORT)

A. Attend, present, and help organize appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations, such as the ASHS annual meeting, and various ANR and Industry-organized meetings such as the annual statewide Pistachio day, the Pistachio workgroup meeting, Farm Advisor field days, etc

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10 % EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.

B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate (events organizing committee, DEI committee, statewide pistachio Day and workgroup meetings)

Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be disqualified from this search.

A. Bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences or closely related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment)

B. Valid driver's license and capability of driving long distances

C. Experience in field and lab data collection

D. Have good communication and organizational skills

E. Ability to work independently

F. Previous experience in data organization, storage and presentation

G. Creative, with an eagerness to learn

H. Capable of multitasking

I. Mentoring skills

• 3 required (contact information only)

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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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