Assistant Specialist in Molecular Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Bioinformatics

The Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside invites applicants for an Assistant Specialist position to conduct basic and applied research in the laboratories of Dr. Kerry Mauck and Dr. Bodil Cass. This position will start on September 15, 2024.

The final candidate will perform research and project activities in the following areas: plant pathogen detection using molecular and serological diagnostics (qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA), insect and plant pathogen sequencing (e.g., barcoding) and phylogenetic analysis, virome analysis, bacterial metagenomics, and gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR, RNAseq).

The final candidate will be expected to carry out research activities for projects that involve these areas, including contributions to troubleshooting, experimental designs and protocols, data analysis, and manuscript writing. As part of these duties, the final candidate will also be involved in assisting personnel from the undergraduate to graduate level.

The final candidate will be expected to meet competency standards in the areas described above with progress to be evaluated through assessment of research outputs (completed experiments, data analyses, and methods portions of manuscripts) and contributions towards training of students participating in relevant projects. Opportunities will be available to learn new techniques and receive professional training from core facility personnel.

The current base pay range for this position is $61,300 - $68,300 per year.

Basic Qualifications

• M.S. in Plant Pathology, Virology, Entomology, Life Sciences or a related field.
• 2-3 years of additional training in areas of study relevant to the position description.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications (2+) demonstrating competency in relevant areas of study.
• Experience with and demonstrated expertise in use of molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, ddPCR) and serological techniques (e.g., ELISA) to detect and identify viral and bacterial plant pathogens.
• Experience with and demonstrated expertise in molecular wet lab techniques, including nucleic acid extractions, purification, and sample preparation for various diagnostic and sequencing applications.
• Experience with and demonstrated expertise in sequence interpretation and bioinformatics pipelines required for virome analyses and species identification using barcoding genes.
• Experience growing and maintaining plants for experiments.
• Evidence of the ability to achieve results independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Virology, Life Sciences or a related field.
• Experience with and demonstrated expertise in library preparation for RNA-seq experiments.
• Experience with and demonstrated expertise in analysis of RNA-seq data.
• Experience with and demonstrated expertise in bacterial metagenomics.
• Experience rearing insects in colonies (especially aphids, whiteflies, psyllids).
• Evidence of successful mentoring and training of undergraduate students, especially through co-authorship with mentees.

Advancement through the Specialist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

How to Apply

Submit a letter of application presenting a case for your fit to the qualifications (minimum 1 page, maximum 2 pages), a complete (long-form) curriculum vitae, Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (1 page), 3 letters of reference, and two publications relevant to the required/preferred qualifications to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF01940. Review of applications will commence on July 25, 2024, and proceed until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Kerry Mauck at kerry.mauck@ucr.edu.