Junior Specialist/Lynch lab

Junior Specialist Position Overview:

The Forest Pathology and Plant Disease Ecology Lab at the University of California, Davis, led by Dr. Shannon Lynch, is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Junior Specialist (Step 2) to support a multi-year research project funded by the Bureau of Land Management. The project focuses on the conservation of the endangered Ione manzanita (Arctostaphylos myrtifolia) in the Cosumnes River watershed by investigating the spread and management of the invasive root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Position Responsibilities:

Research (85%)

The Junior Specialist will contribute to three primary research objectives:

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Implementing and documenting strict phytosanitary protocols during field sampling.
• Coordinating with project collaborators at Phytosphere Research and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Participating in project team meetings and stakeholder outreach workshops.

Professional Competence (10%)

• The incumbent will present research at statewide outreach meetings, regional plant pathology meetings, and national meetings (e.g. American Pathological Society Annual Meeting). Presentations will be delivered in poster and oral presentation formats. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop presentation abilities in laboratory meetings and the UC Davis plant pathology department retreat and other local (on-campus) events.
• The incumbent will be encouraged to have membership with the American Phytopathological Society, Pacific Division and national.

University and Public Service (5%)

• Serve as a liaison and respond to inquiries from industry organizations, government agencies, and other external stakeholders regarding areas of expertise.
• Participate in committees and collaborative activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities, as appropriate.

Location & Work Environment:

This position is based at UC Davis but will require frequent travel to field sites within Amador County, particularly the Apricum Hill Ecological Reserve and surrounding Ione formation habitats. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in field settings.

• Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, ecology, environmental science, microbiology, forestry, or a related field.
• This is an entry level position reserved for graduates with Bachelor's degree and less than 2-3 years of experience.

• Demonstrated experience with ecological fieldwork, ideally in native plant communities or pathogen monitoring.
• Experience working with soilborne plant pathogens and/or familiarity with Phytophthora baiting and culturing methods.
• Basic proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) and/or experience working with drone imagery.
• Experience with data collection and organization, including field note-taking and GPS use.
• Willingness and physical ability to conduct fieldwork under rugged and hot conditions, sometimes for extended hours.
• Experience with remote sensing, object-based image analysis, or machine learning frameworks in ArcGIS.
• Prior experience with conservation projects involving rare or threatened plant species.
• Demonstrated commitment to phytosanitary best practices in field settings.

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

• 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.

• Statement of Interest - Please submit a brief statement of interest (maximum 2 pages).

• 3 required (contact information only)

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.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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