Jr. Specialist- Brummer Lab

The Plant Sciences Department is hiring a Junior Specialist to work on alfalfa, hemp, and spinach breeding programs, including field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities. Incumbent would be involved in research experiments, collecting data, and maintaining research program activities leading to research presentations and publications, grant proposals, and germplasm and cultivar releases. In addition, the Jr. Specialist is 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving research projects for the spinach, alfalfa, and/or hemp breeding program. 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) Publication that acknowledges the incumbent's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.

a. The incumbent will work with PI and Project Scientist to curate and analyze data and to assist with preparation of publications and cultivar releases.

2) Publications on which the Specialist is an author.

a. The incumbent will contribute to peer-reviewed publications related to the breeding programs, as co-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.

a. The incumbent will contribute to writing reports and presenting research results at outreach meetings, on research posters, at field days, to research boards, and at other academic meetings as needed.

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 alfalfa, hemp, and spinach breeding and genetics 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) The incumbent will work on field trials, greenhouse seed production, making crosses by hand, organizing and maintaining inventory in seed storage, and collecting and processing plant samples for compositional evaluation or for DNA extraction.

a. The incumbent will mentor undergraduate student interns as needed, such as demonstrating crosses, field management methods, phenotyping, and other data collection.

2) The incumbent will collect and evaluate phenotypic trait data, measure yield and other traits using electronic data collection devices and research plot equipment. Will assist with lab work, basic statistical data analysis, presentation of data, and computer management of data files.

3) The incumbent will contribute to the project by helping to determine which germplasm to include in trials, deciding how to streamline and improve field and greenhouse research trial procedures, and researching and recommending the best suppliers of research equipment and materials. Will work with PI and Project Scientist to curate and analyze data and to assist with preparation of publications and cultivar releases.

a. The incumbent will participate in meetings between UC faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and staff to assist in the coordination of various crop breeding projects.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.

a. The incumbent will participate and/or attend research conferences appropriate to specific field.

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

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% 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.

a. The incumbent will participate in meetings between external collaborators to assist in the coordination of various crop breeding projects.

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

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 the Jr. Specialist position.

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

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

B. Experience working in a laboratory, greenhouse, or field setting

C. Research experience related to plant breeding

D. Valid California driver license

E. Ability to organize tasks and complete in a timely manner

F. 1+ years working in a plant breeding program

G. Experience with alfalfa, spinach, and hemp research

H. Understanding of basic genetics and plant breeding terminology

I. Ability to operate farm and/or research plot machinery

• 3 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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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

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