Assistant Specialist

The Blanco Lab in Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis is seeking an Assistant Specialist (100% FTE) to support research on fruit and nut quality. The position involves monitoring bloom and environmental conditions, managing the collection and transportation of field samples, conducting physiological evaluations of nut and fruit quality, and analyzing experimental data. The Assistant Specialist will also contribute to protocol development, supervise undergraduate assistants, and assist with the preparation of research reports and publications. This is a collaborative, research-focused position supporting applied agricultural research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving nut growth and quality projects, including phenological monitoring and environmental data integration, physiological characterization of fruit and nut quality, and cultivar comparisons. 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:

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

2) Publications on which the Specialist is an author.

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

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

5) 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.

B. Serve as a research coordinator for walnut and pistachio 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).

1) Monitor bloom timing and seasonal temperatures in commercial orchards using weather stations, environmental sensors, and remote data platforms.

2) Manage field sampling, including planning, collection, and transportation of nut and fruit samples from commercial orchards to the lab at UC Davis.

3) Conduct physiological analyses of nut samples, including size, weight, firmness, texture, composition, and in some cases disease incidence.

4) Use and maintain specialized equipment such as texture analyzers, spectral imaging systems, and calibrated climate sensors.

5) Perform statistical analysis and data interpretation using R and/or Python to identify treatment effects, trends, and environmental correlations.

6) Maintain complete and reproducible records using an electronic lab notebook and structured data pipelines.

7) Assist in writing technical summaries, data reports, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications; co-authorship is expected where intellectual or technical contributions warrant it.

8) Mentor and train a part-time undergraduate student assistant in the field and laboratory tasks, data handling, and sample preparation procedures.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations, such as lab meetings or external seminars.

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

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

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. Maintain communication with growers, industry collaborators, and academic partners regarding field trials, protocols, and data sharing.

C. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

A. Master's degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Postharvest Biology, or a closely related field, or a Bachelor's degree with at least four years of research experience in a relevant field. (degree must be obtained at time of appointment)

B. Experience conducting fieldwork and laboratory-based evaluations of fruit or nut quality and postharvest physiology.

C. Experience to organize and analyze experimental data using R, Python, or other statistical tools.

D. Experience maintaining laboratory records, conducting reproducible experiments, and summarizing research results.

E. Valid driver's license and ability to drive to field sites for sample collection and monitoring.

F. Experience with postharvest evaluation techniques (e.g., fruit firmness, soluble solids, texture analysis, multispectral imaging).

G. Familiarity with weather station data monitoring and remote environmental sensing platforms (e.g., FieldClimate).

H. Supervisory or mentoring experience, particularly with undergraduate researchers or research assistants.

I. Demonstrated contribution to scientific publications or extension materials.

J. Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, hazardous materials handling, and fieldwork safety best practices.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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