Assistant Project Scientist - High Throughput Plant Phenotyping Facility

Salary range:
The salary range for this position is $76,700-$97,600. "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

The High Throughput Plant Phenotyping Facility (HTPPF) at the University of California, Davis seeks a Project Scientist to collaboratively develop an active research program in high throughput plant phenotyping. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Christine Diepenbrock.

Nature and Purpose:

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 (90%)

Research in specialized area (75%)

This position requires creative contributions to, and collaborative development of active research programs in high throughput plant phenotyping. The candidate is expected to be proficient in the operation of the CA&ES High Throughput Plant Phenotyping Facility (HTPPF), including day to day management of experiments, experimental design, data management and accessibility, and data analysis. The candidate will have the opportunity to identify and develop their own research goals and work collaboratively with other PIs on research projects. The candidate is expected to collaborate with other scientists and to assist in the submission of research proposals to use the facility. The candidate will also interact with and direct students and/or technicians regarding technical protocols and procedures, including method development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, and experimental design. The candidate has the primary oversight responsibility for the research facility. The candidate will ensure that the HTPPF greenhouses are assigned fairly and used properly; the candidate will interact with the advisory committee regarding approval of new projects. In addition, the position will be the point of contact with the CA&ES Greenhouse Core manager to maintain infrastructure and equipment in optimal condition. They will advise researchers on biosafety and proper conduct of research according to appropriate safety standards and procedures. The candidate will work with partners in the CA&ES Dean's Office to develop/manage the business model and recharge rates for the HTPPF.

Publication (10%)

The candidate will publish research results in peer reviewed journals, books, and other outlets, independently or in collaboration with other scientists.

Grant Acquisition (5%)

In collaboration with investigators, the candidate will prepare and assist in the acquisition of state and federal funding (and/or other sources of support) to conduct high throughput phenotyping experiments using the HTPPF facility and systems.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

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, presenting results to the general public, and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate will engage in University service activities which may include guest lectures and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Please note that appointment is for a minimum of one-year. Reappointment available provided that there is appropriate funding and programmatic need.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Agricultural Science, Plant Genetics or a closely related field

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Experience in experimental design

Experience in data management and accessibility

Experience in data analysis

Experience designing and conducting greenhouse or field experiments

Experience in greenhouse management to maintain infrastructure and equipment in optimal condition

Experience managing undergraduate students or technicians

Record of peer-reviewed publications in plant science or a related field

Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07689

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
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• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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Davis, CA