Summary
As an integral part of a research and education team at the Strawberry Center, the Assistant Research Scientist will plan and execute laboratory- and field-based research projects in collaboration with Center staff. The incumbent will also be responsible for overall execution of the pathology lab including diagnostics, student scheduling, and safety, in collaboration with the Pathology Program Leader. The Assistant Research Scientist will take a leading role in ensuring the alignment of research efforts with the annual priorities established by the California Strawberry Commission, focusing on improving the sustainability of strawberry production in California. This position reports to the Research Manager, with 80% of responsibilities listed below carried out with independent discretion and intellectual decision-making.
This position requires full-time, in-person work at the designated location.
Apply through our website: https://calpolycorporation.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CalPolyPartner_External_Careers/details/Assistant-Research-Scientist_JR100022
Duties and Responsibilities (ordered by importance)
- Plan and execute laboratory- and field-based research in collaboration with other Center researchers using sound experimental design and a thorough understanding of the biological systems being studied. Current research priorities include insect and disease management, farming without fumigants, irrigation, water quality and nutrient management, labor-saving automation and other important issues in California strawberry production
- Using independent judgment to ensure prompt, efficient, and accurate performance of laboratory testing services and structure day-to-day responsibilities of analyses and related tasks in the laboratory
- Held accountable for ensure the quality and precision of experiments, including trial design, proper equipment calibration and operation as well as data collection and analysis, and reporting results
- Collect, organize and summarize experimental data.
- Conduct statistical analyses using standard statistical software programs such as SAS, Minitab, ARM, Sigma Plot or other appropriate software
- Review literature, research results, testing procedures, and laboratory operations to enhance projects
- Prepare written reports of research publications and work towards publishing peer-reviewed papers. Prepare and deliver oral presentations at field days, grower and scientific meetings and other events to represent the Strawberry Center and disseminate research results to growers, pest control advisors and the scientific community
- Work with, apply and safely handle agricultural chemicals such as fungicides, insecticides, soil fumigants, biological control agents, fertilizers and other products currently in use or for experimental purposes
- Follow good agricultural practices to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and common-sense regarding safety
- Operate, maintain, and train students on laboratory equipment: autoclave, pH meter, microscope, scale, incubator, drying ovens, etc.
- Receive or collect, as well as process plant samples from growers and various projects
- Perform routine and non-routine tests and analyses for the disease diagnostic service and projects including in vitro product evaluations
- Oversee undergraduate student employee work and their scheduling
- Maintain equipment in proper working order and maintain a clean workspace
- Maintain a variety of complex and confidential files and records
- Perform other duties as assigned
Position Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited four-year university with an agricultural degree (horticulture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, etc.) or completion of four-year college degree plus 3 years of agricultural research experience
- Obtain a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation within the first 6 months of employment.
- Obtain a Pest Control Adviser License (PCA) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation with the first 12 months
- Operate personal computer with proficient use of the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Ability to occasionally work longer hours, evenings and weekends in order to meet deadlines and complete projects
- Valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record
- Ability to independently travel to strawberry production regions within California
- Demonstrated skills or aptitude in technical writing and statistical analysis
- Ability to use standard office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, publishing, e-mail, and calendaring systems
- Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet deadlines
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with a diverse population
- Excellent verbal and written skills, including English grammar, spelling, punctuation, composition, and proof reading
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others
- Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to interface with all levels of staff, university community, including students, faculty and staff, and the public
- Ability to maintain a variety of complex and confidential files and records
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual and reliable attendance
- Successful completion of a background check
- The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment
Physical Requirements
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
- Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and various pieces of lab and field
- Seeing to read a variety of materials
- Sitting or standing for extended period of time
- Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height
- Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects
- Independently commuting on an as-needed basis to travel to strawberry production regions within California
Pay: $70,304.00 - $83,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
