Assistant Specialist

Position overview

Salary range :

The salary range for this position is $63,500-$70,700. "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.

Application Window

Open date : August 19, 2025

Most recent review date : Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date : Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Blanco Lab in Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis is seeking an Assistant Specialist (100% FTE) to support research on fruit and nut quality. The position involves monitoring bloom and environmental conditions, managing the collection and transportation of field samples, conducting physiological evaluations of nut and fruit quality, and analyzing experimental data. The Assistant Specialist will also contribute to protocol development, supervise undergraduate assistants, and assist with the preparation of research reports and publications. This is a collaborative, research-focused position supporting applied agricultural research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving nut growth and quality projects, including phenological monitoring and environmental data integration, physiological characterization of fruit and nut quality, and cultivar comparisons. 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.

2) Publications on which the Specialist is an author.

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.

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, invitations to participate in research projects, and / or service on advisory panels.

B. Serve as a research coordinator for walnut and pistachio projects conducted by PIs in the department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).

1) Monitor bloom timing and seasonal temperatures in commercial orchards using weather stations, environmental sensors, and remote data platforms.

2) Manage field sampling, including planning, collection, and transportation of nut and fruit samples from commercial orchards to the lab at UC Davis.

3) Conduct physiological analyses of nut samples, including size, weight, firmness, texture, composition, and in some cases disease incidence.

4) Use and maintain specialized equipment such as texture analyzers, spectral imaging systems, and calibrated climate sensors.

5) Perform statistical analysis and data interpretation using R and / or Python to identify treatment effects, trends, and environmental correlations.

6) Maintain complete and reproducible records using an electronic lab notebook and structured data pipelines.

7) Assist in writing technical summaries, data reports, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications; co-authorship is expected where intellectual or technical contributions warrant it.

8) Mentor and train a part-time undergraduate student assistant in the field and laboratory tasks, data handling, and sample preparation procedures.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

A. Participate in appropriate professional / technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations, such as lab meetings or external seminars.

B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

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.

B. Maintain communication with growers, industry collaborators, and academic partners regarding field trials, protocols, and data sharing.

C. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

A. Master's degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Postharvest Biology, or a closely related field, or a Bachelor's degree with at least four years of research experience in a relevant field. (degree must be obtained at time of appointment)

B. Experience conducting fieldwork and laboratory-based evaluations of fruit or nut quality and postharvest physiology.

C. Experience to organize and analyze experimental data using R, Python, or other statistical tools.

D. Experience maintaining laboratory records, conducting reproducible experiments, and summarizing research results.

E. Valid driver's license and ability to drive to field sites for sample collection and monitoring.

Preferred qualifications

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

F. Experience with postharvest evaluation techniques (e.g., fruit firmness, soluble solids, texture analysis, multispectral imaging).

G. Familiarity with weather station data monitoring and remote environmental sensing platforms (e.g., FieldClimate).

H. Supervisory or mentoring experience, particularly with undergraduate researchers or research assistants.

I. Demonstrated contribution to scientific publications or extension materials.

J. Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, hazardous materials handling, and fieldwork safety best practices.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form .

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07244

Help contact : sgersalia@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

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.

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

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 creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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 .

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice . There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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 University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Davis, CA