Postdoctoral In Plant Genomics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The (Monroe Lab) at UC Davis is hiring a Junior Specialist for wet-lab work on plant genomics and epigenomics - DNA extraction, sequencing library prep, and chromatin profiling (CUT&Tag) in pistachio, Arabidopsis, cassava, and others. Funded by NSF EAGER, supports work tied to USDA SCRI and FFAR.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80% EFFORT)
A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving high-molecular-weight (HMW) and short-read DNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, and chromatin profiling assays (CUT&Tag) for multi-crop plant genomics and epigenomics research spanning pistachio, Arabidopsis, cassava, and others, in support of grants funded by NSF EAGER, USDA SCRI, and FFAR. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:
1) Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work by DNA libraries, executing chromatin profiling assays (CUT&Tag), and helping optimize protocols.
2) Publications on which the Specialist is a co-author for contributions to plant genomics and epigenomics work.
3) Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
4) Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments such as presentations at the UC Davis Plant Sciences departmental seminar series, Monroe Lab group meetings and journal clubs, and regional plant science symposia.
5) Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles such as those in plant genomics and epigenomics, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels such as Monroe Lab group meetings, UC Davis Plant Sciences departmental committees, and undergraduate researcher mentorship and training programs.
B. Serve as a research coordinator in Monroe Lab projects for DNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, and chromatin profiling projects. Responsible for clear communication, data management, and preparation of reports for ongoing lab projects.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)
A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations, such as the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), the UC Davis Genome Center researcher community, and the Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG) network.
B. Participate in scholarly conferences such as the Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG), the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) annual meeting, and the UC Davis Plant Sciences and Genome Center seminar series.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)
A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise, such as UC Davis core genomics facilities and sequencing vendors as needed to support lab projects.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, such as Monroe Lab group meetings and undergraduate research mentorship and training programs.

Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be disqualified from the Jr. Specialist position.

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

A. Bachelor's degree in Plant Biology, Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field (must be obtained at the time of appointment)
B. Demonstrated wet-lab research experience including DNA extraction and standard molecular biology techniques
C. Disciplined lab notebook practice and attention to protocol detail.
D. Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, with prior lab work experience and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

E. Prior experience with HMW DNA extraction protocols
F. Experience with sequencing library preparation (Illumina or PacBio)
G. Familiarity with chromatin profiling assays (CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq)
H. Experience working across multiple plant species or crop systems
I. Coding experience is not required, but any experience with command-line tools (R, Python, or shell) is preferred

• 3 letters of reference required

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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