Jr. Specialist - Gaudin Lab

The Agroecology Lab at UC Davis, led by Dr Gaudin, and the Pollination Ecology lab led by Dr Neal Williams are seeking a Junior Specialist to characterize impacts of of cover crop and regenerative practices in Almond systems. The Junior Specialist will work collaboratively to organize and conduct observation, sampling and analysis of mobile insects in commercial orchards. The individual will be based on the UC Davis campus and will perform research in commercial fields across the state of California in collaboration with a diverse team of students and extension specialists. The Junior Specialist will report to Dr Gaudin and Dr Williams while coordinating with students and other academics in the lab.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities to characterize outcomes of regenerative practices on biodiversity, bees and pests and beneficial insect populations in Almond systems. Evaluation of performance in research or outreach activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:

1) Datasets detailing biodiversity, bee and pest and beneficial insects in commercial Almond orchards

2) Publications that acknowledge the candidate's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.

3) Publications on which the candidate is an author.

4) Active dissemination of information to project partners and stakeholders through written materials and outreach presentations.

5) Participation in preparation of grant reports.

B. Serve as a research coordinator for the regenerative Almond project conducted by PI Gaudin in the Department of Plant Sciences and PI Williams in the Department of Entomology and Nematology.

The candidate will be responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, field data coordination and collection, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting organizations.

Specific duties include:

* Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of multi-location sampling events.

* Help organize field visits and mentor undergraduate lab assistants during preparation for and during the field sampling events.

* Monitoring and collecting plant and invertebrate biodiversity samples throughout the growing season.

* Curating and processing samples and conduct insect identification and observational analyses.

* Assist in data analysis and compilation into various formats. This include producing graphical, tabular, and written summaries of the experimental data in collaboration with graduate researchers to be presented within the lab group and to stakeholders in writing, web and oral forms.

* Be involved in developing scientific manuscripts and grant reports.

* Follow templates and protocols for data entry and organize and maintain file structures for the various sources of data collected by the group.

* When appropriate, develop and/or revise protocols for tests and procedures and maintain up to date records of procedures in shared folders.

* Maintenance and troubleshooting instruments and tools in the lab and participate in developing good practices for research in academic settings.

* Assist the team with general lab management and shared governance of lab and office spaces and participation to regular lab meetings.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (8% EFFORT)

A. Attend lab meetings and seminars on topics related to fields of interest.

B. Participate in scientific discussions with peers to enhance knowledge and confidence.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2% EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of the Almond industry, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to biodiversity and pest regulation in regenerative Almond systems.

B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate. (i.e. Picnic Day; Social committee)

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.

A. B.S. in Environmental Sciences with interest in both entomology and plant sciences (must be obtained at the time of appointment)

B. Valid driver's license

C. Experience in insect and plant observation, sampling and identification

D. Able to conduct active field work and research for multiple sequential days

E. Demonstrated ability to lead field activities and organizing sampling in commercial fields

F. Evidence of teamwork and project coordination skills

G. Proficiency with Microsoft office and R statistical tool

H. Previous participation to outreach activities

• 2 required (contact information only)

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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.

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

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