University of California - Davis
Assistant Project Scientist- Feldmann Lab
University of California - Davis, Davis, California, us, 95617
Position Overview:
The salary range for this position is $74,100-$94,200. "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.
Application Window Open date:
April 21, 2025
Most recent review date:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date:
Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description The UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program is hiring an Assistant Project Scientist to lead ongoing and future field, greenhouse, and controlled environment disease breeding and research efforts. The University of California, Davis strawberry breeding program has been breeding public strawberry varieties since the 1930s and includes both research and teaching components. Today, its goals are to investigate key issues in strawberry (e.g., the genetic basis of disease resistance, aroma, yield, etc.) and leverage these discoveries in developing new varieties of strawberry plants that address the needs of growers in California and around the world. The strawberry breeding program strives to be accessible and transparent regarding the research underway and operates with collaborators from around the world to advance the field of knowledge underlying strawberry breeding. The successful applicant will help to execute research projects, design new experiments and projects, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, lead and participate in writing papers, grants, and reports, and present to national and international audiences, as well as be a positive member of the campus community.
NATURE AND PURPOSE
The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc.), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90 % EFFORT)
Research activity (55 %)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of quantitative genetics, plant pathology, and the application of genome-informed approaches in strawberry breeding. This will involve planning and designing experiments and populations to discover, validate, and incorporate novel resistance loci into commercial breeding material. The candidate will help determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator, design specific projects, including selection of appropriate methods and techniques, and contribute to routine breeding activities to support the continued health of the program. He/she will superv. students or technicians and consult scientists regarding technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments.
Publication (20 %)
The candidate will publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals, books, and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (15 %)
The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations, prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies, and interact with funding agencies on budgets and other grant components.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5 % EFFORT)
Participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to the field; serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications; attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups; coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)
Engage in public outreach activities, present scientific research results to the general public and provide relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. Include presentations at national and international scientific symposia and conferences, agricultural industry workshops, and cooperative extension meetings. Engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service, including guest lectures in plant pathology and plant breeding and genetics courses. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.
The University will not offer sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
A. Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, or related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).
B. 1–5 years of post‑doctoral research in plant genetics, plant breeding or related fields specifically working with plant pathology, molecular breeding, genotyping tools, and molecular marker design. Experience working with polyploid genomes preferred.
C. 5+ years of experience with the design and execution of large field trials.
D. 5+ years with the evaluation of plant disease symptoms in field, greenhouse, glasshouse, and the use of lab‑based and marker assays, production of inoculum for disease assays. Experience working with strawberry preferred.
E. 5+ experience in R or other statistical languages for the analysis of experiments, GWAS, genomic prediction, as well as tools for creating and editing publication‑quality figures and display items.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required):
F. Experience with the design, validation, and deployment of high‑throughput genotyping (KASP, HRM, PCR).
G. Ability to travel in CA and domestic U.S. for work.
H. Intermediate spoken Spanish.
Application Requirements Document requirements:
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
Authorization to Release Information Form – This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Reference requirements: 2 required (contact information only).
Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07093
Help contact:
ykreyes@ucdavis.edu
About UC Davis As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
UC Davis is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state for federal law.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub‑contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify
UC Davis is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values.
The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.
Job Location Davis, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The salary range for this position is $74,100-$94,200. "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.
Application Window Open date:
April 21, 2025
Most recent review date:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date:
Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description The UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program is hiring an Assistant Project Scientist to lead ongoing and future field, greenhouse, and controlled environment disease breeding and research efforts. The University of California, Davis strawberry breeding program has been breeding public strawberry varieties since the 1930s and includes both research and teaching components. Today, its goals are to investigate key issues in strawberry (e.g., the genetic basis of disease resistance, aroma, yield, etc.) and leverage these discoveries in developing new varieties of strawberry plants that address the needs of growers in California and around the world. The strawberry breeding program strives to be accessible and transparent regarding the research underway and operates with collaborators from around the world to advance the field of knowledge underlying strawberry breeding. The successful applicant will help to execute research projects, design new experiments and projects, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, lead and participate in writing papers, grants, and reports, and present to national and international audiences, as well as be a positive member of the campus community.
NATURE AND PURPOSE
The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc.), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90 % EFFORT)
Research activity (55 %)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of quantitative genetics, plant pathology, and the application of genome-informed approaches in strawberry breeding. This will involve planning and designing experiments and populations to discover, validate, and incorporate novel resistance loci into commercial breeding material. The candidate will help determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator, design specific projects, including selection of appropriate methods and techniques, and contribute to routine breeding activities to support the continued health of the program. He/she will superv. students or technicians and consult scientists regarding technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments.
Publication (20 %)
The candidate will publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals, books, and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (15 %)
The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations, prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies, and interact with funding agencies on budgets and other grant components.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5 % EFFORT)
Participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to the field; serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications; attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups; coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)
Engage in public outreach activities, present scientific research results to the general public and provide relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. Include presentations at national and international scientific symposia and conferences, agricultural industry workshops, and cooperative extension meetings. Engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service, including guest lectures in plant pathology and plant breeding and genetics courses. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.
The University will not offer sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
A. Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, or related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).
B. 1–5 years of post‑doctoral research in plant genetics, plant breeding or related fields specifically working with plant pathology, molecular breeding, genotyping tools, and molecular marker design. Experience working with polyploid genomes preferred.
C. 5+ years of experience with the design and execution of large field trials.
D. 5+ years with the evaluation of plant disease symptoms in field, greenhouse, glasshouse, and the use of lab‑based and marker assays, production of inoculum for disease assays. Experience working with strawberry preferred.
E. 5+ experience in R or other statistical languages for the analysis of experiments, GWAS, genomic prediction, as well as tools for creating and editing publication‑quality figures and display items.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required):
F. Experience with the design, validation, and deployment of high‑throughput genotyping (KASP, HRM, PCR).
G. Ability to travel in CA and domestic U.S. for work.
H. Intermediate spoken Spanish.
Application Requirements Document requirements:
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
Authorization to Release Information Form – This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Reference requirements: 2 required (contact information only).
Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07093
Help contact:
ykreyes@ucdavis.edu
About UC Davis As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
UC Davis is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state for federal law.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub‑contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify
UC Davis is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values.
The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.
Job Location Davis, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr