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Assistant Project Scientist in Botany and Plant Sciences

The Department of Botany & Plant Sciences at the University of California invites applicants for two full-time Assistant Project Scientists to conduct applied research for the Dr. Chandrika Ramadugu Lab in University of California Riverside, CA. The start dates for these positions are July 1, 2023, and August 1, 2023.

The final candidate will work on citrus huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Associated with an unculturable bacterium, citrus huanglongbing is arguably the most challenging disease of citrus that has negatively impacted the citrus industries worldwide. To develop resistance to HLB, we have generated a breeding population by crossing citrus with disease-resistant Australian lime cultivars. The breeding population consists of susceptible, tolerant, and resistant varieties belonging to F1 and BC1 generations. Identification of resistance-associated genes or genomic fragments is essential to understand the mechanism of resistance and further utilize the knowledge to develop biotechnological tools to impart resistance to commercially relevant citrus cultivars. The successful candidate will focus on genomic analysis using long-read PacBio genomic and transcriptomic sequences of selected susceptible, tolerant, and resistant hybrids from the breeding populations. He/she will conduct comparative genomic and transcriptomic studies and assist the PI in the selection of putative-resistant varieties from the breeding population. Strong background in Bioinformatics is preferred. Single-cell sequencing to identify resistance-associated transcripts in target tissue will be preferred. We have already developed genomic resources useful for bioinformatic analysis.

The appointee will analyze large datasets, maintain data, work cooperatively with research scientists from different organizations, write reports, and draft manuscripts in a timely manner. Citrus huanglongbing has created a dire situation for the industry. We are seeking an individual that can appreciate the urgency of the HLB situation and work in a committed manner toward this project. The Assistant Project Scientist position is initially for one year, renewable upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

The Assistant Project Scientist salary range is $68,400- $87,800. Step I salary is $68,400 and Step II salary is $72,000.

Required qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include:

Ph.D. in Biological sciences, a minimum of two years postdoctoral experience. (also specify the minimum required degree and field(s) of study – this can be general (i.e. Ph.D. in Life Sciences or a related field). Ph.D. candidates must have their degree by the date of hire.)

Preferred qualifications for this position include:
Ability to prepare plant DNA for various applications (including preparation of high molecular weight DNA), analysis of short-read and long-read sequences (genomic and transcriptomic), use of bioinformatics software, identification of plant resistance genes, correlation of genomic features with phenotype, single cell sequencing, experience working with citrus.

Additional qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of hire include:
Experience with bioinformatic analysis of plant genomes; preparation of large molecular weight DNA from plants, library construction, analysis of structural variations in the genomes of related plants, data management, ability to draft manuscripts for publication and present research to scientific groups, (if not mentioned in the basic qualifications section, also specify the minimum required degree and field(s) of study – this can be general (i.e. Ph.D. in Life Sciences or a related field). Ph.D. candidates must have their degree by the date of hire.)

Advancement through the Assistant Project Scientist 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.

To apply: submit to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01733.
• Resume (Curriculum Vitae)
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (optional)
• Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
• Three to four letters of recommendation

Review of applications will commence on June 26, 2023 and proceed until position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Chandrika Ramadugu, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, at chandram@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Mrs. Naudia Samuels Johnson Academic Personnel, at naudia.samuelsjohnson@ucr.edu.

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 candidates 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.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.