Assistant Project Scientist/Trouillas Lab

This position is part time (0.50 FTE).

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (85%)

Research activity (65%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of fungal and bacterial diseases of fruit and nut crops. The initial work will consist in investigating the epidemiology of bacterial blossom blast of sweet cherry in California and developing a disease risk prediction tool. The project scientist will evaluate bacterial population levels in dormant cherry buds and determine the seasonal population dynamics of P. syringae pv. syringae in cherry orchards using a qPCR assay. The incumbent will sample dormant buds and flowers, extract DNA directly from sampled tissues and analyze resulting products using real-time PCR assay in order to quantify population levels from buds at the different sampling times and locations. Orchards used for sampling also will be monitored overtime during spring for disease expression. Population size in buds prior to bloom will be correlated with population size in flowers, and if possible, to disease incidence and severity during bloom. Population dynamics in orchards will be also correlated with environmental factors such as rainfall and temperatures. A risk assessment index and a population threshold for disease risk will be determined. The work will include also the production research report to the California Cherry Board and extension material. Additional projects will include conducting genome assembly and annotation as well as comparative genomics of fungal isolates using standard bioinformatic genomes. The project scientist will also contribute to fungicide trials in almond by helping to set up trials and analyzing data. Finally, the project scientist also will help to determine research goals in the Trouillas Lab in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases, the candidate may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments.

Publication (10%)

The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (10%)

The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from commodity boards, federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Ph.D. degree in Plant Pathology or related agricultural sciences field is required.

Incumbent will have at least 5+ years of Post PhD experience.

• 3-5 letters of reference required

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.
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