Associate Specialist in Nematology

Associate Specialist in Nematology

The Department of Nematology at the University of California invites applicants for an Associate Specialist in Nematology to conduct applied research for the Westphal Lab in Parlier, CA. This position will start on August 19, 2024. The final candidate will conduct research projects in nematode detection and elucidation of microbial communities in perennial crops. Focus will be investigations of the ecology of primary nematode parasites of trees and vines. Coordinating research activities with other program personnel will be necessary to conduct the projects at hand. The employee will be expected to meet competency standards in general nematology as assessed of research outputs (completed experiments, data analyses, and manuscripts) and contributions towards training of personnel participating in relevant projects. Opportunities will be available to learn field research methods, methods in plant breeding, and other nematode management strategies.

The current base pay range for this position is $73,000 to $85,000.

Basic qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include:

* Master's Degree in Plant Pathology, Nematology, Microbiology or a closely related field.

* Record of peer-reviewed publications (2+) demonstrating competency in relevant areas of study

* Experience with and demonstrated expertise in molecular biology including real time qPCR, microbiome studies.

* Experience with and demonstrated expertise in statistical design of experiments, and some knowledge in biometric analysis of microbial communities.

* Experience growing and maintaining plants for experiments.

* Evidence of the ability to achieve results independently and as part of a team.

Preferred qualifications for this position include:

* In addition to nematology expertise, have basic mycology and bacteriology working knowledge.

* Evidence of successful mentoring and training of undergraduate students, especially through co-authorship with mentees.

Advancement through the Specialist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years [For Academic Coordinators: "2 years"], each of which includes substantial peer input.

To apply: submit a cover letter of application outlining the interest and fit to this position (minimum 1 page, maximum 2 pages), a complete (long-form) curriculum vitae,

Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (1 page), 3 letters of reference, and two publications relevant to the required/preferred qualifications.

to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01954 Review of applications will commence on August 17, 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 Andreas Westphal, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Nematology, at Andreas.westphal@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Troy Hall Jr., Academic Personnel, at troy.hall@ucr.edu

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 (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.

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, 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."

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.

* Master's Degree in Plant Pathology, Nematology, Microbiology or a closely related field.

* Record of peer-reviewed publications (2+) demonstrating competency in relevant areas of study

* Experience with and demonstrated expertise in molecular biology including real time qPCR, microbiome studies.

* Experience with and demonstrated expertise in statistical design of experiments, and some knowledge in biometric analysis of microbial communities.

* Experience growing and maintaining plants for experiments.

* Evidence of the ability to achieve results independently and as part of a team.

* In addition to nematology expertise, have basic mycology and bacteriology working knowledge.

* Evidence of successful mentoring and training of undergraduate students, especially through co-authorship with mentees.

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Please provide the contact information for a minimum of three references. The Search Committee will request the confidential reference letters via AP Recruit as part of your application.

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 policies on Affirmative Action, Anti-Discrimination, and Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, see below.

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.

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.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:

https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.