Assistant Project Scientist- Tian Lab

The Tian Lab in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a full-time position at the Assistant Project Scientist level. The successful candidate will investigate research topics in crop metabolism, nutritional improvement, and environmental interactions. Efforts include devising, developing, and implementing strategies to enhance crop nutritional value through biofortification as well as interrogating biochemical and physiological processes in tree crops pertinent to their interactions with the environment. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI). They may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research The position consists of 90% research, 5% professional competence activity, and 5% university and public service.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

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 crop metabolism, nutritional improvement, and environmental interactions. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she/they 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 (15%)

The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets, such as project reports, 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 federal and state agencies and other funding organizations, such as commodity boards. 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 (5% EFFORT)

The candidate will participate in professional societies, such as Phytochemical Society of North America (PSNA) and National Association of Plant Breeders (NIPB), and conferences, such as PSNA and NIPB annual conferences, appropriate to his/her specific field. They will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend departmental seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups during the professional societies' annual conferences. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

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 at undergraduate and graduate courses, and committee service, such as the departmental Picnic Day committee. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

a. A Ph.D. in plant science, horticulture and agronomy, plant breeding, or a related field. It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by the time of the appointment.

b. A strong peer-reviewed publication record from the past 5 years.

c. Experience in biochemical pathway elucidation.

d. Hands-on experience with wheat plants and tree crops.

e. A minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience in crop metabolism and nutritional improvement.

f. A track record of at least 5 peer-reviewed publications on wheat plants and/or tree crops.

g. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

h. Experience in supervising and training lab personnel and ability to collaborate effectively in a team.

i. Experience in working with tree crop winter dormancy.

j. A record of publications in high-impact journals.

k. A record of obtaining extramural grant support.

• 4-6 required (contact information only)

References must not be employed at UCD.

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

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