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Assistant Specialist

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Position description

The Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside invited applicants for an Assistant Specialist to conduct applied research for the Mauck Lab. The purpose of this position is performance in research in the following specialized areas: Plant RNA biology, small RNA biology, isolation and analysis of small RNA and double-stranded RNA, sequencing library prep and sequence analysis, innovation and implementation of new highly specialized protocols involving mutagenesis of RNA viruses of plants, phylogenetic analysis and bioinformatics using Galaxy and other tools, insect DNA and RNA isolation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for analysis of small molecules from plants and insects, RNA-seq and gene expression quantification, insect behavioral techniques (including electrical penetration graphing, settling and selection assays), plant culture, and insect maintenance. Some supervisory and training responsibilities involving graduate and undergraduate students will accompany research activities. The selected candidate is expected to establish a research program involving techniques in the specialized areas listed above with progress to be evaluated through assessment of research outputs (publications, assistance with grant proposals) and required university service expectations.

Basic qualifications for this position include: Ph.D. in plant biology, demonstrated competence in isolation and quantification of nucleic acids, demonstrated competence in RNA-seq and quantitative PCR, demonstrated competence in library preparation for next-generation sequencing, demonstrated competence in gas chromatography mass spectrometry, demonstrated competence with use of basic bioinformatics tools for sequence characterization, experience growing insects and plants, experience with collection and analysis of volatiles from insects and plants, and experience with isolation and analysis of small molecules from insects and plants.

Preferred qualification for this position include: experience training students in molecular techniques, experience with the electrical penetration graphing technique, experience with behavioral assays involving aphids and whiteflies, and experience with entomology and plant biology-themed outreach activities to non-science audiences.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

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, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Advancement through the Specialist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Research, Statement of Contributions to Diversity, and PDFs of three publications to http://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01082. Review of applications will commence on April 27, 2019, and proceed until position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications by the above date.

Application Requirements

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

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence - In a “Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence”, we ask applicants to describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UCR. There are numerous ways to contribute, and a commitment to this part of our mission can be reflected through research, teaching, supervision, mentoring, community engagement, service, and any of the other varied activities that are a part of an academic career.

  • PDFs of 3 Publications (Optional)

Job location

Riverside, CA