Postdoctoral Researcher (Fidelibus lab)

The laboratory of Dr. Matthew Fidelibus in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis, located at the University of California Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier, Fresno County, California, wishes to employ a 100%-time Postdoctoral researcher who will contribute to research on the physiology of grape berry senescence and drying, and cluster lateral arm abscission in "natural" dry-on-vine (NDOV) raisin grapes.

The candidate will work closely with the PI and other collaborators and lab members to design and implement a variety of projects focused on gaining insight into the physiology of berry senescence and drying in an NDOV grape variety. NDOV is a highly desirable trait that facilitates mechanization of raisin production. However, the two NDOV varieties available to date both exhibit preharvest abscission of cluster lateral arms, which is undesirable because it reduces yield. The physiology of the NDOV trait is not understood, and neither is the preharvest lateral arm abscission trait.

The Postdoc will work closely with the PI and lab members, as well as collaborators at UC Davis and the USDA-ARS to lead studies to determine whether NDOV and preharvest cluster arm abscission traits are inextricably linked. They will determine the timing of lateral arm abscission zone differentiation in relation to the onset of berry senescence and drying. They could also lead studies on the effects that plant growth regulators and/or anti-transpirants may have on these traits, to better understand the physiology and possibly suggest practical beneficial cultural practices. Other possible research directions include cluster gas exchange, berry cuticle ultrastructure and physiology, and berry cell vitality.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in the area of Plant Biology, Plant Hormones, Viticulture, or an allied field.

Knowledge of plant anatomy and physiology. (successful completion at least one graduate level course in each field and demonstrated knowledge in interview).

Competent in statistical analysis and experimental design (successful completion of at least one graduate level course, and demonstrated knowledge in interview).

Experience in preparing plant samples for microscopic analysis, and imaging with microscopes (at least one year of documented experience).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Note: The preferred qualifications are not essential, but applicants that can demonstrate these qualifications will have priority over other candidates who may be lacking these qualifications.

Agricultural experience, particularly in viticulture (documented experience. Will be explored in interview).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills (documented experience. may also be evaluated at interview).

Efficient utilization of computer programs to analyze and summarize biological data (documented experience).

• 3-5 letters of reference required

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• "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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