Junior Specialist/Grettenberger Lab

Junior Specialist Position Description in the Grettenberger Lab
Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide mentorship, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

Overview:
We aim to hire a Junior Specialist, Step 1 to conduct research in arthropod integrated pest management and insect ecology. The Junior Specialist will help on a number of projects related to pest management in field and vegetable crops. This includes, but is not limited to, studies in rice, cole crops, and cotton. Projects will be examining insecticide resistance levels and alternative management strategies for diamondback moth, efficacy of registered and experimental insecticides in cotton, biological control in lettuce for thrips and aphid management, and management of rice seed midge in rice. The Junior Specialist will assist with studies examining pest management strategies for other pests addressed by the lab’s research and extension program as appropriate. Primary duties will involve executing lab experiments, maintaining colonies of insects, setting up and deploying field trials, sampling and identifying insects, managing data, and summarizing and presenting results.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree (Biology, Entomology, Ecology, or similar field).
NOTE: The junior specialist rank is an entry level position; accordingly, it is inappropriate to hire applicants with advanced degrees in this field, or those with BS degrees and three years’ relevant work experience.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. They will also have strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

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

• Cover Letter - A cover letter that describes your related interests, experiences, and career goals and that describes your interest and qualifications in the position.

• 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.

• 3-5 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.
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