Junior Specialist​/Kuo lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

Open date: April 30, 2026

Next review date: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 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 for Junior Specialist in the Kuo Lab

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs.

Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:

• Assisting in research on viruses affecting Asian citrus psyllids (ACP). Independently manage colonies of the citrus psyllid for use in bioassays. Maintain infected and uninfected citrus plants in the UC Davis Contained Research Facility, a Biosafety 3P - shower out facility. Take responsibility for research reports for publication in peer reviewed journals and presentation in lab meetings.
• Assist with greenhouse trials on Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and ACP (experimental design, study set up), data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and contribution to resulting reports to funding agencies.
• Project development will involve active engagement of literature including use of literature for hypothesis development, development and optimization of protocols and analytical methods. Some literature will be provided (books, articles), but it is expected that the incumbent will conduct literature searches to identify additional materials.
• As a full time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory management.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

The incumbent will have opportunities to develop presentation abilities in laboratory meetings and the UC Davis plant pathology department retreat and other local (on-campus) events, as well as opportunities to present at statewide or national conferences.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

As a component of university service, the incumbent will also be asked to serve on one or more department committees, such as the Department Safety Committee or the Facilities Committee.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, or a related field.

This is an entry level position reserved for graduates with Bachelor’s degree and less than 2-3 years of experience.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• 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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07616

Help contact: lvaldovinos

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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the…