Jr. Specialist - Valliere Lab | University of California Davis
University of California Davis
Location
Davis, CA | United States
Job description
Jr. Specialist - Valliere Lab Position Overview: A reasonable estimate for this position is $51,300 at Step 1 or $54,600 at Step 2.
The Invasive Weed and Restoration Ecology Lab at the University of California Davis lead by Dr. Justin Valliere is seeking two Junior Specialists to join their team in investigating patterns and predictors of heat tolerance in the California flora. The goal of the project is to assess heat tolerance across a diversity of species and ecosystems and identify plant traits that can be used as reliable predictors of leaf thermotolerance. This information will be used to advance our understanding of species' vulnerabilities to projected climate change and guide conservation and restoration in a warming world.
Despite the well-recognized threat of climate warming, impacts on native plant species are understudied. Furthermore, while a number of models exist for projecting future climate scenarios, we lack the tools for robust analysis of how these changes will impact the persistence of native species. With over 6,000 plant taxa, predicting the consequences of climate change on the California flora is a significant challenge. Thus, there is a strong need for empirical data on plant heat tolerance across the state's diverse ecosystems to develop and implement strategies for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services in a warmer world. The junior specialists will collaborate with lab members to fill this research gap. This work will involve extensive fieldwork to many of the UC Natural Reserves throughout California for vegetation sampling and experimental evaluation of plant heat tolerance.
The Junior Specialist will assist with these efforts as part of a project funded by California's Fifth Climate Change Assessment Core Climate Research Program. The successful candidate will be based at UC Davis and will conduct field research throughout the state. Data on plant functional traits and thermotolerance thresholds will be used to identify species that are the most at-risk under rising temperatures, determine predictors of heat tolerance across species, and to model potential impacts on species' ranges. The Junior Specialist will work with the research team (including PI Valliere, a postdoc, and student researchers) to design and execute the study, collect and analyze data, and communicate results in a written report and publications.
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 this search.
NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
A. The Junior Specialist will collaborate with the PI and research team to conduct field and laboratory research evaluating heat tolerance in native plant species. The candidate will aid in the planning and execution of field sampling campaigns, collect and curate data sets, and contribute to data analysis. This research will involve extensive travel and field research throughout California. The candidate will communicate research results with lab members and will be a coauthor on resulting publications, reports, and presentations as appropriate.
B. In addition to field and laboratory research, the candidate will assist in lab activities, including ordering reagents and equipment, preside over inventory, maintaining specialized equipment, keeping workspaces clean, and helping to create a culture of safety in the laboratory.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
A. The Junior Specialist will participate in regular lab meetings, attend relevant seminars, and communicate research findings with collaborators and partners.
B. Depending on the availability of funds and the candidate's interests, they may attend and present at scientific conferences and extension events and participate in relevant training opportunities.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
A. The Junior Specialist will participate in public outreach and extension activities relevant to the project and will have the opportunity to participate in committee activities and events within the Department of Plant Sciences.
Job requirements:
- Driver's license
- Transport self between work locations
- Able to use required equipment To apply, visit Copyright 2022 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-bf3b5e8d8e19b84abd04ba30cd3c9897
About University of California Davis
UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States. Since we first opened in 1908, we’ve been known for standout academics, sustainability and Aggie Pride as well as valuing the Northern California lifestyle. These themes are woven into our 100-plus-year history and our reputation for solving problems related to food, health, the environment and society.Our 5,300-acre campus is in the city of Davis, a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in Yolo County. The state capital is 20 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive.
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