SRA 3 (Diagnostics Research Associate - Swett Lab)

Department Purpose

The Vegetable and Field crop Pathology (VFP) lab, run by Dr. Cassandra Swett, is based in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis. The lab is a member of the California-based Western National Plant Diagnostics Network and diagnoses over 250 samples per year spanning over 30 different crops. Diagnoses are conducted to enable grower decision making (in collaboration with farm advisors) and function to support 30+ research projects annually within the Swett lab group and by cooperators. The diagnostics lab functions to fill critical gaps unmet by other diagnostics labs, including analysis of new diseases and diseases that cannot be identified by traditional methods, development of new diagnostics and detection tools, characterization of new pathogens, and which includes training of diagnosticians. The diagnostics lab also functions as a source of pathogen isolates for the VFP fungal culture depository, which is used to support dozens of statewide research projects annually. You can learn more at our website: https://swettlab.faculty.ucdavis.edu/. Please direct any questions about this position to Cassandra Swett at: [email protected]

Job Summary

Under general supervision, provide research and diagnostic support as part of a statewide program to address disease management challenges in vegetable and field crops in California. Coordinate undergraduate teams in diagnostic sample processing including aseptic fungal and bacterial tissue isolations and fungal and bacterial subculturing, oversee media preparation, supplies and purchases for the diagnostic lab. Provide as-needed support to molecular diagnostics team, including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. Diagnose diseases submitted by growers and conduct pathogen soil tests for samples submitted by growers. Conduct research to improve diagnostic and soil detection tools. Co-manage diagnostics and culture collection databases. Train and manage undergraduate research assistants.
This short-term position has potential to convert to a longer-term appointment.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks, working on feet for long hours.
• Work in a greenhouse in the summer under variable uncomfortable conditions including heat and humidity.
• Lift heavy items (>25lbs).
• Some of the crops emphasized in this program such as tomatoes and industrial hemp can elicit an allergic reaction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271  

• Work in a greenhouse in the summer under variable uncomfortable conditions including heat and humidity.
• Although not a routine part of this position, must be able and willing to occasionally work outside under hot and dry, windy or cold field conditions, in order to assist other lab members in field projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Additional Minimum License/Certification

• Valid driver license to operate University vehicle

Minimum Education/Experience

• BS degree in plant science, microbiology, global disease biology or related field; or equivalent experience/training.

• Experience with aseptic technique

• Experience with word processing and Excel

Preferred:

Preferred Education/Experience

• 1 or more years post-baccalaureate experience in diagnostics or research in plant or microbiology related fields or other relevant experience/training.; or MS degree in plant science, microbiology, plant pathology or related field

• Experience with plant diseases / plant pathogens

• Experience in plant propagation and greenhouse trial maintenance

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

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