Research Associate , Environmental Science, Policy, and Management

Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C), Environmental Science, Policy, and Management #87591

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Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate 1 conducts research on the colonization of grapevines by a vector-borne plant pathogen. This position supports all aspects of a research project aimed at initiating and gathering data on a grapevine disease management strategy in California. Responsibilities include sample collection in field plots, maintenance of plants in a greenhouse facility, and molecular-based detection of pathogens in the laboratory.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is August 5, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

PCR-based pathogen detection in the laboratory - 30%

• PCR-based pathogen detection in the laboratory.
• Total plant DNA extraction following standard protocols, followed by PCR-based DNA amplification using quantitative PCR as a detection tool.
• Data evaluation, entry and organization are included in this responsibility.

Maintenance of plants in a greenhouse facility - 20%

• Potting and pruning of plants, growing plant species for experimental manipulations; monitoring for plant health.

Support to general research activities in the laboratory - 25%

• Assisting with lab cleaning and organizing, assisting in other projects focused on pathogen detection, support with data organization and sample processing as necessary.

Experimental manipulations with plants and pathogens - 20%

• Establishing infections and monitoring plants at different time points and conditions using appropriate tools, keeping record plant disease symptoms.

Sample collection from field sites - 5%

• The field sites are at isolated locations.
• Infected plant tissue will be collected from plots in California, total DNA will be extracted from these plants and pathogen genotyped using standard molecular protocols already established.

Required Qualifications

• Experience processing and preparing grapevine samples from vineyards and greenhouse for pathogen detection. It includes DNA extraction, qPCR, and genotyping. Prior experience with grapevine diseases is highly desirable.
• Experience maintaining grapevines in a greenhouse facility.
• Experience organizing experimental data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience infecting plants for experimental purposes on disease development.
• Ability…