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Position overview

Application Window

Open date: April 17, 2024

Next review date: Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Apr 17, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Feldmann Lab is seeking a Junior Specialist with a background in plant biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related field interested in fruit quality and aroma breeding research. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Mitchell Feldmann and closely with the laboratory manager, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and strawberry breeding program personnel.
The successful candidate will be actively involved in publishable research activities such as collecting and preparing fruit samples for fruit quality assessments, including sugar content, acid content, color, and organic compound analysis in the lab using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and the organization and interpretation of data. Other responsibilities will include maintaining equipment and laboratory documentation, including data files. The successful candidate will contribute to research planning, data collection, analysis, and data interpretation with opportunities for co-authorship and/or acknowledgment in publications. The ideal candidate will have interest and/or experience in research related to fruit quality, plant breeding, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, as well as laboratory skills to implement protocols, communicate effectively, and work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
A. Collect and prepare strawberry fruit samples for analysis of volatile organic compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) following a standardized protocol.
B. In addition, the candidate will collect, prepare, and analyze strawberry fruit samples for other fruit quality traits, including firmness, sugar and acid content, and anthocyanin content.
C. Organize, analyze, and interpret fruit quality and aroma data.
D. Participate in discussions with PI and lab personnel regarding raw fruit quality data results and interpretations of said fruit quality data to assist in designing future experiments.
E. The candidate will contribute to the production of scholarly manuscripts in plant breeding and genetics, which include:
a. Contribute to drafting and reviewing manuscripts and outreach materials (such as handouts for field days and presentations to stakeholders).
b. Contribute to the development of figures and tables for said manuscripts and outreach materials.
F. Assist in the maintenance of laboratory documentation and data files
G. Assist other laboratory personnel with laboratory, greenhouse, and field research activities, including sample collection and processing of strawberry fruits and other plant tissues.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
A. Attend/Participate in seminars on topics related to plant biology, agronomy, horticultural science, and plant breeding.
B. Attend/Participate in symposia, conferences, field days, etc. (e.g. Plant Science Symposium, UC Davis Plant Breeding Retreat)
C. Participate in training programs (such as vendor seminars or campus workshops) to enhance knowledge or skills for the use of specialist instrumentation and fruit quality data analysis.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
A. Present to and engage with visiting scientists, industry representatives, and other stakeholder groups.
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 this search.

Qualifications

A. Bachelors degree (BS) in Plant Sciences, Genetics, Plant Biology, or closely related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment)
B. Experience with strawberry fruit quality
C. Experience with strawberry genetics
D. Experience conducting laboratory research
E. Flexible and capable of multitasking

F. Previous experience handling plant materials
G. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
H. Capable of thinking and working independently and collaboratively
I. Creative, organized, and eager to learn new skills

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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About UC Davis

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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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

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