SRA 2 NEX (Staff Research Associate)

Job Summary

Grapevines are not only the source of table grapes and wine, but also a fascinating study system for plant biology. Nearly all grapevines in commercial production are grafted onto rootstocks, which have been bred from wild grape species, and have important impacts on vine growth, yield, and fruit quality. Rootstocks also strongly impact vine resistance to a wide range of environmental and biotic stresses, and developing new rootstocks is a key strategy to make the grape and wine industry more sustainable and resilient to climate change.

The Bartlett Lab at the University of California, Davis, is seeking a hard-working and enthusiastic Staff Research Associate II to assist with research testing how diverse rootstocks impact vine drought and disease resistance. The SRA will assist with field and laboratory measurements, including measuring vine gas exchange and water stress, berry growth and chemistry, and leaf and berry anatomy traits in experimental vineyards with different rootstock/scion combinations.

The successful candidate must have a background in plant biology and strong critical-thinking skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude. This position would be a good fit for anyone interested in plant physiology or sustainable agriculture, especially anyone considering graduate school or a research career in industry. The position will start on July 1, 2024 (with some flexibility on start date) and last for one year, with the possibility of extension if funding becomes available. The position will involve strenuous fieldwork, including in hot conditions and some early morning sampling. The SRA must be able to provide their own transportation between UC Davis and the experimental vineyards several times per week.

Position Information

Apply by Date

May 13th 2024

Salary Range

$28.04/hr. - $45.11/hr.

Appointment Type

Limited

Number of Positions

1

Percentage of Time

Full-Time, 100%

Shift Hours

Manager will advise

Location

Davis, CA.

Union Representation

Yes - RX

Benefits Eligible

Yes

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The candidate must be able to work in the field. They will need to be able to carry up to 30 lb and stand for several hours at a time. They will also need to conduct early-morning and midafternoon sampling in the field up to several times per week during the summer, which will involve working in the dark with a headlamp and in hot weather.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Minimum Education/Experience

• BS in Biology, Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Hydrology, Environmental Science or related field, at the time of appointment, OR > 3 months of experience working in plant, soil, or environmental science research, or research in a related field

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Strong planning and organizational skills

• Attention to detail, especially in record-keeping

• Ability to work under strenuous outdoor conditions (early morning, hot afternoons)

Preferred:

Preferred Education/Experience

• Experience with plant physiology experiments, including measuring gas exchange and water potentials (e.g., with a LICOR or pressure chamber)

• Experience conducting fieldwork

• Experience working with microscopy

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis 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, disability, age 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.