Junior Specialist Position Description in the Grettenberger Lab
Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide mentorship, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

Overview:
We aim to hire a Junior Specialist, Step 1 to conduct research in integrated pest management and insect ecology. The Junior Specialist will help on a number of projects related to pest management in field and vegetable crops. This includes, but is not limited to, studies in rice, cole crops, and cotton. Projects will be examining insecticide resistance levels in diamondback moth, efficacy of registered and experimental insecticides in cotton, biological control in lettuce for thrips and aphid management, and management of rice seed midge in rice. Primary duties will involve executing lab experiments, maintaining colonies of insects, setting up and deploying field trials, sampling and identifying insects, managing data, and presenting results.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree (Biology, Entomology, Ecology, or similar field).

Must possess a valid driver's license.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work well independently as well as part of a team. They will also have strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter - Describe your related interests, experiences, and career goals.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at:

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As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment.(Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.