Associate Project Scientist/Trouillas Lab

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. Research: (85%)

Research activity (65%):

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of fungal and bacterial diseases of fruit and nut crops. The initial work will consist in investigating the Red Leaf Blotch disease of almond in California and developing Integrated Disease Management strategies. The project scientist will investigate various aspects of the new disease biology including the disease etiology and epidemiology, the disease cycle and environmental conditions favoring the pathogen spore dispersal, the host susceptibility as well as biological and chemical control strategies to limit its spread. This project will investigate also molecular tools for disease detection and diagnostic. The project scientist will investigate the timing of spore (inoculum) release in orchards and risk period for infection of almond trees and identify environmental conditions favoring disease spread. Work will include also determining the best timing for fungicide applications and providing fungicide efficacy data for various chemistries (FRAC groups) and diverse biological control products through field trial experiments. The incumbent will design and conduct fungicide trials in the field and analyze data. The work will include also the production research report to Almond Board and extension material to support field diagnostic and disease detection in orchards. Finally, the project scientist also will help to determine research goals in the Trouillas Lab in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases, the candidate may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments.

Publication: (10%): The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant acquisition: (10%): The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from commodity boards, federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. Professional competence and activity (10%): The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

University and Public Service (5%): The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Ph.D. degree in Plant Pathology or related agricultural sciences field is required.

Incumbent will have at least 5+ years of Post PhD experience. Incumbent will also be required to have strong knowledge of experimental design and statistical analyses as required to conduct fungicide trials.

Knowledge of fungicide families, active ingredients and FRAC group concepts is necessary.

• 3-5 letters of reference required

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