Associate Specialist/ Cook lab

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The position will require maintaining an efficient and safe laboratory environment, evaluating and implementing new procedures, methods and specialized instrumentation related to genomics and genotyping, and assistance with plant care and phenotyping. As needed, the Specialist will provide education and training to students and new employees. The Specialist will be responsible for designing protocols and conducting experiments with focus on molecular biology, genetics and greenhouse-based phenotyping experiments. The position will analyze complex datasets and contribute to collaborative research projects focusing on plant-fungal interactions, identifying genetic traits and advancing crop improvement efforts.

Associate Specialists should have 6-10 years of experience in the area of specialization. That would be someone with a Ph.D., Masters with 2-5 years experience, or Bachelors with 6-10 years of experience.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)

* Design and conduct experiments using molecular biology and genetic techniques, such as DNA/RNA

extraction, PCR, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing (e.g., RNA-seq, WGS, GBS).

* Develop and apply phenotyping protocols for greenhouse and laboratory experiments on plants and fungal pathogens.

* Analyze genetic and phenotypic data using bioinformatics and statistical tools.

* Contribute to research publications, presentations and grant proposals.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

A. Participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to present research findings and stay updated on new techniques in the field.

B. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE ( 5% EFFORT)

A. Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory techniques and experimental design.

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

*Bachelor Degree with 6-10 years of experience, Master's Degree with 2-5 years of experience, or a PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics or Plant Biology.

* Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, qPCR, sequencing technologies)

* Knowledge of plant and fungal genetics

* Strong analytical skills and experience with bioinformatics tools for genetic and phenotypic data analysis

* Experience with plant-fungal interaction studies

* Familiarity with high-throughput sequencing methods (e.g., RNA-seq, WGS, GBS and Hi-C libraries)

* Prior experience mentoring students

• 3-5 letters of reference required

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan." There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.