Jr. Specialist- Brummer Lab

Open date: February 23, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Mar 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Feb 23, 2027 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.

The Plant Sciences Department is hiring a Junior Specialist to work on alfalfa, hemp, and spinach breeding programs, including field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities. Incumbent would be involved in research experiments, collecting data, and maintaining research program activities leading to research presentations and publications, grant proposals, and germplasm and cultivar releases. In addition, the Jr. Specialist is 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)
A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving research projects for the spinach, alfalfa, and/or hemp breeding program. 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) Publication that acknowledges the incumbent's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
a. The incumbent will work with PI and Project Scientist to curate and analyze data and to assist with preparation of publications and cultivar releases.
2) Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
a. The incumbent will contribute to peer-reviewed publications related to the breeding programs, as co-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.
a. The incumbent will contribute to writing reports and presenting research results at outreach meetings, on research posters, at field days, to research boards, and at other academic meetings as needed.
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 alfalfa, hemp, and spinach breeding and genetics 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) The incumbent will work on field trials, greenhouse seed production, making crosses by hand, organizing and maintaining inventory in seed storage, and collecting and processing plant samples for compositional evaluation or for DNA extraction.
a. The incumbent will mentor undergraduate student interns as needed, such as demonstrating crosses, field management methods, phenotyping, and other data collection.
2) The incumbent will collect and evaluate phenotypic trait data, measure yield and other traits using electronic data collection devices and research plot equipment. Will assist with lab work, basic statistical data analysis, presentation of data, and computer management of data files.
3) The incumbent will contribute to the project by helping to determine which germplasm to include in trials, deciding how to streamline and improve field and greenhouse research trial procedures, and researching and recommending the best suppliers of research equipment and materials. Will work with PI and Project Scientist to curate and analyze data and to assist with preparation of publications and cultivar releases.
a. The incumbent will participate in meetings between UC faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and staff to assist in the coordination of various crop breeding projects.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
a. The incumbent will participate and/or attend research conferences appropriate to specific field.
B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND…