Full Specialist for the 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.

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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)

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:

1. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
2. Publications on which the Specialist is an 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.
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.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.

B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.

B. Participate in the UCD High Containment Facilities Oversight Group (HCFOG) and UCD Cores Connect Community, and participate in the activities of other committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

*Ph.D. or M.S. degree with 6+ years of experience in plant pest research, such as Entomology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Ecology, or closely related fields

*Experience conducting greenhouse and laboratory research on invasive plant pests or pest plants

*Prior training in keeping up with the changes to regulations in maintaining a BSL III-P facility and to changes in permitting plant pests for research at both the state and federal level.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

*Experience managing or conducting research in a Biosafety Level III-Plant (BSL III-P) quarantine

*Ability to communicate and collaborate with other research and extension personnel

*Ability to learn about the physical systems that are required to maintain quarantine conditions, laboratories, and greenhouses.

*Experience conducting field research

• 4 required (contact information only)

Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07885

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.

• "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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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