Recruit

The Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology at the University of California invites applicants for a full-time Associate Specialist position to conduct applied research for the Manosalva Lab in Riverside, CA. This position will start as soon as possible. The purpose of this position is to conduct research related to avocado restock and breeding.

The current base pay range for this position is $70,500 - $82,100.

Basic qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include: Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Master degree in Biotechnology, and Ph.D in Plant Pathology. Expertise working with Phytophthora cinnamomi, salinity, drought, and avocado. Experience screening avocado rootstocks for resistance to P. cinnamomi, salinity, drought under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Experience working in avocado breeding activities including genetic association studies to map QTLs in avocado. Knowledge of using weather stations, GPS, and sensor agriculture equipment tools to measure plant physiological parameters.

Additional qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of hire include: 2 or more years of experience working with avocado and P. cinnamomi. Two or more years of experience on collecting and analyzing avocado field and greenhouse data, experience leading and/or conducting field and lab experiments. Have research leadership and independence to conduct experiments under greenhouse and field conditions. Work in research projects conducted in collaboration with more than five scientists or PIs at several USA institutions. Experience in conducting genome analyses using whole genome resequencing to generate SNPs to conduct genetic association studies in avocado.

Preferred qualifications for this position include: Experience conducting P. cinnamomi QTL mapping in avocado using SNPs markers obtaining from SNP chip arrays and whole genome resequencing.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HRSU). 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.

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.

To apply: submit a CV, Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, and the contact information for 3 references to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01913. Review of applications will commence on May 29, 2024, 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. Patricia Manosalva, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, at patricia.manosalva@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Melissa Resendez, Academic Personnel, at melissa.redsendez@ucr.edu.

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.

University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: 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.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). 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 or protected veteran status.

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

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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.