Assistant Project Scientist in Plant Sciences
University of California Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
United States

Application Window

We are seeking a Project Scientist to assess N cycling and acquisition as a function of plant driven shifts in nutrient allocations and plant-microbe interactions in the grass rhizosphere. This five-year project aims to better understand the dynamics of N cycling and uptake and especially how plant functional traits, including exudate chemistry, can enable structuring of rhizosphere communities that increase nitrogen use-efficiency in organic and low fertility systems. The selected appointee will coordinate all aspects of research and work independently under the general guidance of PI Gaudin.

Primary activities will include:

• Development of an iterative pipeline for field testing of grass genotypes and microbial amendments developed in controlled and in silico environments.
• Generate and publish quantitative data characterizing impacts of plant and rhizosphere microbial traits on productivity and N cycling and acquisition in agricultural systems.
• Work in close collaboration with modelers and microbiologists at UC San Diego and the LBNL to support the development of the first genome-scale computational model of the grass rhizosphere.
• Participate in general management of the Gaudin Lab and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Plant Sciences, Microbial Ecology, Soil Biogeochemistry or related fields.
• Experience with methods for rhizosphere research including molecular biology and use of isotopes to quantify N flows between soil, plants and microbes
• Evidence of peer reviewed publications
• Experience with quantitative ecology, statistical tools (R) and data visualization skills.
• Ability to think critically to troubleshoot problems in field experiments and work both independently and as part of a diverse team (multiple PIs across institutions)

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in agricultural ecology and plant and soil approaches to developing more sustainable and resilient cropping systems
• Strong organizational and oral communication skills to share data and results with staff and colleagues.
• Ability to develop productive, collaborative, inclusive, and equitable relationships with team members and other project stakeholders

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (90%)

Research activity (60%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating plant drivers of plant-soil microbe interactions, and the impacts on N cycling, acquisition and useefficiency in field environments. The candidate will join a diverse research team and will be expected to determine research goals in consultation with Principal Investigators and based on mechanistic understanding of these interactions. He/she/they will select and implement appropriate methods and techniques, supervise students, trouble-shoot problems, interpret results, and plan follow-up experiments in an iterative manner.

Publication (25%)

The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with PI and other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (5%)

This project is funded for five years and will not require extensive grant writing. Nevertheless, when opportunity arise, the candidate will assist in developing and acquiring funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will assist in the preparation of reports as required by the granting agency, interact with funding agencies, and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions. The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to
his/her/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.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate will also engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

• Experience with methods for rhizosphere research including molecular biology and use of isotopes to quantify N flows between soil, plants and microbes
• Evidence of peer reviewed publications
• Experience with quantitative ecology, statistical tools (R) and data visualization skills.

• Doctoral degree in Plant Sciences, Microbial Ecology, Soil Biogeochemistry or related fields

• Ability to think critically to troubleshoot problems in field experiments and work both independently and as part of a diverse team (multiple PIs across institutions)- Interest in agricultural ecology and plant and soil approaches to developing more sustainable and resilient cropping systems
• Strong organizational and oral communication skills to share data and results with staff and colleagues.
• Ability to develop productive, collaborative, inclusive, and equitable relationships with team members and other project stakeholders

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.