Postdoctoral Scholar/Lynch Lab

Position Overview

The Lynch Lab (Forest Pathology and Plant Disease Ecology Lab) at UC Davis focuses on improving forest health through the study and management of emerging tree epidemics across wildland, peri-urban, and urban landscapes. We are seeking a motivated and qualified postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a suite of interdisciplinary projects on the ecology, epidemiology, and management of Fusarium dieback-invasive shothole borers (FD-ISHB) and other invasive forest pathogens in California.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of disease ecology, microbiome science, spatial modeling, and applied management, while also playing a key role in mentoring and training the next generation of urban forest health professionals.

Research Areas

We are seeking qualified applicants to work on the following areas of research:

* Epidemiological modeling of invasive forest pests (e.g., SEIR simulations, phylogenetic epidemiology, risk mapping)

* Strategic tree selection and planting guidance for pest-resilient landscapes

* Experimental work on the environmental drivers of infestation severity (e.g., nutrient/water availability)

* Host range, reproductive potential, and behavioral plasticity of invasive shothole borers

* Tree microbiome characterization (endophytes, rhizosphere microbes) and microbial biocontrol development

* Field trials of biorational and plant-based treatments for pest/pathogen suppression

* Development of rapid diagnostic tools (e.g., LAMP assays) and monitoring technologies (e.g., trap optimization)

* Mentorship and training of student interns and California Conservation Corps participants in IPM and diagnostics

* Applied research to inform urban forest planning, equity, and climate adaptation strategies

Responsibilities

The incumbent will lead the design and execution of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments, oversee data analysis, and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. They will contribute to model development and decision-support tools, such as interactive risk maps, and develop molecular diagnostics for pathogen detection and quantification. The role includes diagnosing tree diseases, processing samples, and reporting results to collaborators and stakeholders, as well as engaging regularly with land managers, extension specialists, and community partners. The incumbent will present research findings at scientific conferences, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events. They will also assist with laboratory management, supervise research staff, students, and interns, and contribute to grant reporting, protocol development, and experimental planning.

Ph.D. in plant pathology, ecology, entomology, forestry, microbiology, or a related field. Ph.D. must be in awarded by the start of the position. Basic qualification must be met at time of application.

* Publication record in relevant areas

* Familiarity with urban forestry, pest/pathogen monitoring, or integrated pest management

* Prior involvement in stakeholder engagement or applied extension work

* Supervisory or mentoring experience in research or training settings

* Experience conducting fieldwork

* Experience statistical or spatial modeling, or microbial ecology

* Experience with molecular diagnostics (e.g., qPCR, LAMP) or bioinformatics pipelines (e.g., QIIME, AMPtk)

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines

* Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills

• 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.
• 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.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

The University of California 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

The University of California, Davis (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. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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.

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.