Specialist Contained Research Facility; CRF

Salary range:

The salary range for this position is $96,500-$159,600. 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.

Open date:
September 11, 2026

Next review date:
Sunday, Nov 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) – Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Wednesday, Jun 30, 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.

SPECIALIST POSITION OVERVIEW

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 regulations and protocols associated with USDA certified plant pest quarantines) in the planning and execution of a research project under regulatory constraints. 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.

A. Serve as the lead scientist responsible for primary oversight of the Contained Research Facility (CRF), a Biosafety Level III-Plant quarantine. Responsible for ensuring that CRF research space is assigned fairly and used properly; assist in the coordination of maintenance, repair, and/or certification of infrastructure and equipment with appropriate trades people; interact with other University service units to ensure all regulations are followed by CRF users;

advise researchers on biosafety needs and proper conduct of the research to achieve appropriate biosafety standards; and assist in maintaining current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the CRF. Responsible for developing solutions to meet compliance requirements and provide resources and systems to assist with the safe conduct of biological research and efficient maintenance of the Biosafety Program. Initiate and assist in the annual review of recharge rates for the CRF.

B. Assist and collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving plant pests and pest plants that must be studied in the CRF. 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: