Assistant Specialist - Marino and Brown Lab

Salary range:
The salary range for this position is $61,300-$68,300. "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience

The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking a Assistant 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 Assistant 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.

Per UCD-APM 330, Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization. It is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline.

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:

a. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.

b. Publications on which the Specialist is an author.

c. Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.

d. Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.

e. 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

B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise

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)

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A. Master's degree in Plant Sciences or closely related field, or a Bachelor's plus three or more years of research experience (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

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

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)

Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06841

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "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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