Junior Specialist - Plant Transformation Facility; PTF Job Davis area,California USA,Research/Development

The Plant Transformation Facility (PTF) in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a 50% position at the Junior Specialist level starting Fall 2026. This position is located on the UC Davis main campus and has a duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal pending funding availability.

Research in the PTF centers on developing and improving genome editing technologies in plants. The Junior Specialist will provide technical and scientific support to the research program in the specific areas of molecular biology, plant development and plant transformation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following research activities:

Plant, care, analyze, and harvest plants obtained through CRISPR gene editing in the growth chamber and the greenhouse.

Collect samples and perform large-scale DNA extractions from different plants species and tissues generated at PTF, including grape, strawberry, tomato, lettuce, wheat, barley. Genotype plants by PCR, analysis of the PCR in agarose gel, and prepare libraries for amplicon sequencing. Incumbent will analyze and report the results.

Design and generate vectors for CRISPR gene editing projects.

Maintain lab notebooks and data files for all research activities.

Help record and update the lab chemical inventory, maintain the proper operation of instruments, and coordinate waste pickups.

Contribute to the development of project reports and manuscripts by preparing data figures and tables as well as reviewing drafts of reports and manuscripts. The Junior Specialist will also conduct literature reviews relevant to the research topic using electronic databases and journal articles. In addition, the Junior Specialist will present research results at lab meetings where all lab members will be present.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
The Jr. Specialist will participate in the annual Plant Sciences Symposium as a poster presenter.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
The Junior Specialist will participate in outreach activities led by the Manager of PTF.

A. Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).
B. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extractions from plant tissues, PCR reactions, and cloning.
C. Experience in conducting experiments and collecting data in a research environment.
D. Proficiency in word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint.
E. Excellent written and oral communication skills.