Assistant Crop Modeling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $76,700-$97,600. "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis seeks a Project Scientist to develop novel computational tools to increase the efficiency of crop breeding programs. The position involves developing experimental and modeling approaches to conduct basic and applied research in plant productivity and resiliency under managed stress environments. Efforts will include field data processing, development of AI models for trait prediction, utilization of 3D crop models, and cross-environment predictions of crop performance. The Project Scientist will design specific projects focused on developing new methods, computational analyses, and models across scales to better understand and predict how crops perform across environments. The position also involves publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals, assisting with grant proposals, and engaging in professional and public service activities. In addition, the candidate is required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc.), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH (90%)
Research activity (50%)
This position requires creative and collaborative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research of developing novel computational tools to increase efficiency of crop breeding programs. Efforts involve novel experimental and modeling approaches to conduct basic and applied research in plant productivity and resiliency under managed stress environments. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI). They will design specific projects focused on the selection and development of new appropriate methods and techniques, computational analyses, and models across scales to better understand and predict how crops perform across environments. Efforts will include field data processing, development of AI models for trait prediction, utilization of 3D crop models to enhance AI predictions, and cross-environment predictions, among others. In some cases, the candidate may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Publication (30%)
The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of a large collaborative research team.
Grant Acquisition (10%)
The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed, and help to prepare materials for progress reports.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public (e.g., Seed Central) and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

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The University will not offer sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A. Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Agricultural Science, or a closely related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment)
B. Experience with scientific programming in Python, including data analysis libraries (e.g., NumPy, Pandas), computer vision software (e.g., OpenCV) and machine learning frameworks
C. Record(s) of peer-reviewed publications in plant science, ecology, or a related field
D. Experience designing and conducting greenhouse, growth chamber, or field experiments in plant biology or crop science
E. Experience with 3D plant modeling and computer vision techniques (e.g., point cloud data processing, 3D reconstruction, ML-based object detection and segmentation)

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

F. Experience applying AI/machine learning to agricultural or plant phenotyping applications, including remote sensing
G. Experience managing undergraduate students or technicians

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07564

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

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Davis, CA