Assistant​/Associate Specialist - Gradziel Lab

Position Overview

The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking an Assistant or Associate Specialist (commensurate with experience and qualifications), a 50% variable position, for the Almond and Peach Genetic Improvement Program under the supervision of Professor Thomas Gradziel. This multi-year position is based at the Pomology Field Headquarters, Building B at the UC Davis campus. The role involves conducting field and laboratory research to characterize the productive, horticultural and physiological performance of different almond and peach genotypes and rootstock‑scion combinations under varying management and environmental conditions.

The Associate Specialist will enjoy a greater level of independence and will coordinate with project collaborators across the campus and external partners.

Exempt salary range: $63,500 - $88,000. Non-exempt hourly rate: $30.42 - $42.15. Off‑scale salaries may be offered to meet competitive conditions.

Open date:
November 24, 2025. Final date:
Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise—such as with instrumentation, research equipment, or social science research methods—in the planning and execution of a research project. Specialists stay apprised of emerging issues, maintain technical competence, provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships, and supply input into the planning of research and educational programs.

• Collaborate with research and extension personnel affiliated with almond and peach genetic improvement activities. Innovate to reduce the multi-year breeding cycle while increasing phenotyping efficiency and elite candidate selection.
• Act as a research coordinator for almond and peach genetic evaluation projects, ensuring uninterrupted communication among laboratories, managing data, and preparing reports tailored to stakeholders.

• Publications acknowledging the Specialist’s significant contribution.
• Publications where the Specialist is an author, such as peer-reviewed journal articles documenting improved breeding tools.
• Letters from collaborators or principal investigators indicating the Specialist’s contribution to publishable research.
• Active dissemination of information beyond campus boundaries through instruction, presentations, or horticultural reports.
• Other evidence of recognized expertise including first authorship, presentation at meetings, invitations to review grants or articles, service on advisory panels, etc.

• Coordinate with UC Davis Field Facilities Manager for day-to-day and long-term orchard management.
• Manage the UC Davis Plant Sciences breeding program for almonds and peach, including irrigation, fertilization, disease control, and plant propagation (seed and vegetative).
• Liaison with collaborating labs in orchard production, developmental biology, plant pathology, molecular biology, and genetics/genomics.
• Maintain knowledge of reproductive biology, controlled hybridization strategies, seed handling, stratification, germination, greenhouse planting, and field evaluation.

• Participate in professional societies such as the American Pomological Society, American Society of Horticultural Science, and International Society of Horticultural Science.
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

• Maintain liaison and respond to needs of industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and external groups such as the Almond Board of California and Cling Peach Advisory Board.
• Participate in departmental, college, campus, and other University committees as appropriate.

There is no visa sponsorship. Successful candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• For Assistant Specialist:
  Master’s degree in Plant Sciences or closely related field…