SRA 3 (Molecular 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. 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 molecular diagnostic samples. Oversee updates to molecular diagnostics databases and culture management systems. 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 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

• 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:

Minimum Education/Experience

• BS degree in molecular biology, cellular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biology, global disease biology or related field; or equivalent experience/training.

• Experience with one of more of the following molecular techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoreses

• Experience with word processing and Excel

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Must be a very organized person and someone who likes working as a team

Preferred:

Preferred Education/Experience

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Interest in disease diagnosis and/or molecular pathology

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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At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.