Junior Specialist/Lynch lab

Junior Specialist Position Overview:

The Forest Pathology and Plant Disease Ecology Lab at the University of California, Davis, led by Dr. Shannon Lynch, is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Junior Specialist (Step 2) to support a multi-year research project funded by the Bureau of Land Management. The project focuses on the conservation of the endangered Ione manzanita (Arctostaphylos myrtifolia) in the Cosumnes River watershed by investigating the spread and management of the invasive root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Position Responsibilities:

Research (85%)

The Junior Specialist will contribute to three primary research objectives:

1. Field-based pathogen control trials: Assist in the establishment, treatment, and monitoring of ultra-low volume potassium phosphite applications in natural stands of Ione manzanita to slow the spread of P. cinnamomi. Tasks will include field plot setup, treatment application using specialized ULV equipment, vegetation health monitoring, and data management.

2. Remote sensing and GIS-based disease mapping: Support remote sensing efforts to classify disease symptoms using UAV-derived multispectral imagery and Google Earth data. Responsibilities will include field validation, geospatial data collection via ArcGIS Field Maps, image annotation, and assisting with the development and validation of a deep learning classification model.

3. Epidemiological studies of pathogen persistence: Conduct soil and root sampling from infested sites across seasonal and spatial gradients to assess the depth and longevity of P. cinnamomi inoculum. The Junior Specialist will also assist in baiting protocols and laboratory culturing to identify viable inoculum and potential alternative hosts.

Additional responsibilities may include:

* Implementing and documenting strict phytosanitary protocols during field sampling.

* Coordinating with project collaborators at Phytosphere Research and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

* Participating in project team meetings and stakeholder outreach workshops.

Professional Competence (10%)

* The incumbent will present research at statewide outreach meetings, regional plant pathology meetings, and national meetings (e.g. American Pathological Society Annual Meeting). Presentations will be delivered in poster and oral presentation formats. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop presentation abilities in laboratory meetings and the UC Davis plant pathology department retreat and other local (on-campus) events.

* The incumbent will be encouraged to have membership with the American Phytopathological Society, Pacific Division and national.

University and Public Service (5%)

* Serve as a liaison and respond to inquiries from industry organizations, government agencies, and other external stakeholders regarding areas of expertise.

* Participate in committees and collaborative activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities, as appropriate.

Location & Work Environment:

This position is based at UC Davis but will require frequent travel to field sites within Amador County, particularly the Apricum Hill Ecological Reserve and surrounding Ione formation habitats. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in field settings.

* Bachelor's degree in plant pathology, ecology, environmental science, microbiology, forestry, or a related field.

* This is an entry level position reserved for graduates with Bachelor's degree and less than 2-3 years of experience.

* Demonstrated experience with ecological fieldwork, ideally in native plant communities or pathogen monitoring.

* Experience working with soilborne plant pathogens and/or familiarity with Phytophthora baiting and culturing methods.

* Basic proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) and/or experience working with drone imagery.

* Experience with data collection and organization, including field note-taking and GPS use.

* Willingness and physical ability to conduct fieldwork under rugged and hot conditions, sometimes for extended hours.

* Experience with remote sensing, object-based image analysis, or machine learning frameworks in ArcGIS.

* Prior experience with conservation projects involving rare or threatened plant species.

* Demonstrated commitment to phytosanitary best practices in field settings.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "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 or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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