Junior Specialist in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry (JPF06783 )

Posted: October 11, 2024

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for Jr. Specialist position is $53,100 at Step 1 or $56,600 at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date: October 11, 2024

Next review date: Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Appointees to the Junior Specialist in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry will research the chemicals involved in plant and insect communication and how these signals move through the environment. This project aims to assess the efficiencies with which a sorbent can immobilize particular classes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in intra-organism signaling. The planning and execution of the research will be primarily supervised by Prof. Dr. Spencer Walse, but the Junior Specialist will also work closely Ph. D. students Austin Lourie and Kurtis Thiesen of the Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group. The Junior Specialist is expected to provide leadership to undergraduates, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and supply input into the planning of research and the reporting of the results.

The ideal appointee is expected to have strong inter-personnel and communication skills, capability to maintain analytical instrumentation, and willingness to conduct research within the highly-regulated environment of the Contained Research Facility. The appointment for this position will be for 1 1/2 years to 2 years based on project needs and funding The Junior Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)
The Junior Specialist will conduct research that integrates predictive chemical kinetics, modeling strategies, and field/ in situ results as they relate to quantitatively understanding the interaction of molecules with their surroundings, and particularly how insects respond to these molecules. The Junior Specialist will use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify VOCs that have been immobilized from airstreams with goal of determining what sorbents are best suited to immobilze particular classes of VOCs. The Junior Specialist will collect and summarize the data for discussion with the supervisor and team of cooperators. Publications are expected and will be used to acknowledge the Junior Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work. The Junior Specialist will be expected to participate in the dissemination of research results through informal instruction, presentations, or other means.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
The appointee will engage with stakeholders and agencies involved in Agricultural and Environmental research, some of which will require travel to remote work sites. The appointee will assist in report writing. As part of professional development, the Junior Specialist will be allowed to present research at Professional Society Meetings as well as an individual project within the context of the main study.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
The appointee may assist in training or mentoring other project personnel, particularly undergraduates, or particiapte in University or other groups to improve equity and inclusion of the sciences.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Proficiency using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Experience conducting insect bioassays
Experience with field collection of insects
Knowledge of safe handling of pesticides

Ability to lift and maneuver 30 pounds throughout the day.
Experience in field or laboratory research.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Experience in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
Proficiency in both written and verbal English.
Good oral and written skills to communicate data summary to staff and colleagues.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to think critically and troubleshoot problems.
Ability to read and explain material safety data sheets (MSDS) and knowledge of laboratory safety and proper use and handling of potentially hazardous chemicals.
Proficient in the use of basic hand tools.
Provide own, reliable, transportation to and from work site; Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Commitment to a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements

  • 2-3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06783

Help contact: dacrum@ucdavis.edu