UC Davis - Department of Plant Sciences Job Listing

11/18/2011	Junior Specialist Department of Plant Sciences Motivated, reliable and responsible person needed for a full-time position assisting a dedicated and professionally demanding research team. Position will require extended field trips and repetitive, labor-intensive field tasks in possibly inclement weather in far-flung locations throughout California as well as general laboratory duties. The Junior Specialist will assist the research project “Tree Phenology Models for Climate Change Projections & Improved Nutrient Management.” Position will involve conducting field research and general laboratory duties with tree crops in the Central Valley and Coastal Range of California. Responsibilities include field sampling, photography and data collection, laboratory analysis of samples, preparation of laboratory solutions, basic statistical data analysis, and computer management of data files. REQUIREMENTS:  Bachelor's degree (preferably in Biology or related field). Applicant must have valid driver’s license and be available for extended field trips that may include overnight stays. Must be able to regularly lift 30-40 pounds, climb ladders up to 12 feet and work in the vicinity of bees. Good computer skills, particularly comfort with Microsoft Office suite, and at least a basic knowledge of statistics also required. Knowledge of database systems, GIS programming, statistical programs such as JMP, SAS and/or R, and computer coding languages such as Python, are highly desired but are not required. Applicant must show attention to detail and be willing to maintain a flexible schedule. This will be a limited position (1 year) that will begin as soon as possible. Salary: $2890.00/month Please email your resume/CV, along with a cover letter describing your reason for interest in the job and your qualifications, as well as 1-2 letters of recommendation, to: Katherine Jarvis-Shean Dept. of Plant Sciences kjarvisshean@ucdavis.edu
11/22/2011	Department of Plant Sciences University of California – Davis Project Scientist Position in Wheat Genetics of Drought and Heat Tolerance We offer an exciting opportunity to work as part of a large collaborative research team on the Triticeae Coordinated Agricultural Project (T CAP;www.triticeaecap.org). The selected candidate will use modern genomics and canopy spectral reflectance tools to conduct association mapping and nested association mapping studies to identify chromosome regions involved in wheat drought and heat tolerance. Researchers will have access to large trait and marker data sets to investigate genetics, map trait associations, and validate the identified chromosome regions in different genetic backgrounds. The selected candidate will also collaborate with current breeding efforts to improve wheat water use efficiency. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in genetics or plant molecular biology, demonstrated experience in QTL and association mapping for abiotic stress in wheat, strong analytical and statistics skills, demonstrated ability to work with large data sets, produce high quality scientific results, proven written and spoken communication skills and ability to work collaboratively. The appointment as Project Scientist will initially be for one year and may be renewed annually for up to five years depending on performance. The position offers a competitive salary plus benefits and will remain open until a good candidate is identified. Applications, including a letter of interest in the position, CV, and the names and contact information of three referees, should be emailed to Jorge Dubcovsky atjdubcovsky@ucdavis.edu in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis.
11/30/2011	DEPARTMENT OF LAND, AIR AND WATER RESOURCES College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences University of California, Davis 100% JUNIOR SPECIALIST POSITION Annual Full Time Salary Range $33,672/year + Benefits Duration: two years The University of California, Davis, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. NATURE AND PURPOSE:  We are seeking an individual with a M.S. (preferable) or B.S. degree in Soil Science, Entomology, Ecology or Environmental Science. The project involves investigation of soil ecosystem services within a variety of rangeland restoration sites in the Sacramento Valley. The research supported by this position is field- and lab-based. The specialist should have experience or demonstrated capability to learn the following activities:  soil sampling, collection of soil dwelling fauna (insects and arthropods), identification of adult and immature fauna to the family level, basic soil characterization (bulk density, infiltration, and soil description). The Jr. Specialist responsibilities include participation in designing the experimental plan, organizing and setup of the overall field experiment, installation and maintenance of field equipment, assisting in regular collection of field data and laboratory analysis, faunal extractions from soil and identification and data analysis, and coordination with other UC-Davis research labs involved in the project. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: I.          RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85%) Field sampling of soil dwelling fauna Support with installation and maintenance of study  plots Field characterization of soils via regular visits to the field year round to measure bulk density, soil organic carbon, pH, infiltration and aggregate stability. Faunal identification Nitrate resin bag deployment and collection Data entry, organization, processing and analysis II.        PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (15%) Participation and presentation of research at laboratory meetings and select professional meetings. Synthesis of data for publication and/or outreach efforts (written and internet formats)  To apply for this position please send a CV and a short written description of your qualifications to Toby O’Geen at atogeen@ucdavis.edu