Job Details

Position overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $63,500 - $73,200. "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Application Window

Open date: August 18, 2025

Next review date: Friday, Sep 19, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Aug 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program aims to deliver genetically superior cultivars to both conventional and organic strawberry growers in California and around the world. We operate short-day and day-neutral breeding programs in California production environments. In conjunction with the breeding program, there is a robust research program focused on answering pertinent questions that provide useful and relevant information for use in the breeding pipeline.

The Assistant Specialist will be responsible for the full range of research and development activities connected with field testing of clonally propagated short-day and summer-plant breeding material in southern and central California, starting with early stages of selection and culminating with pre-commercial testing of experimental cultivars.

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise 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 leadership, 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREA (80%)

1) Collaboration with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving the strawberry breeding program. Evaluation of performance in research activities or outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by: publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution; publications on which the Specialist is an author; other evidence that work contributed to publishable research; active dissemination of information beyond campus through informal instruction, presentations, or other means; additional evidence of recognized expertise; and a requirement to hold a valid driver's license and compliant driving record.

2) Serve as a research coordinator in collaboration with the PI and program staff for the management of field research projects on commercial farms conducted by PIs in the department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between laboratories, data management, and preparation of reports tailored to meet needs of requesting individuals.

3) Manage full range of research and development activities connected with field testing clonally propagated short-day and summer-plant breeding material in southern and central California, starting with early stages of selection and culminating with pre-commercial testing of experimental cultivars. Interact with teams responsible for propagation, organize high-elevation propagation with private sector nurseries, and participate in harvesting, organizing, and planting clonally propagated plant material for field experiments. Design, organize, and plant field experiments; collect, curate, and analyze data; develop electronic data collection systems and tracking systems; coordinate and manage research interactions with UC Davis, USDA, UC ANR, Cal Poly, and other public sector scientists.

4) Assist with analyzing data and preparing progress reports for funding agencies, collecting and analyzing data for cultivar releases, and preparing cultivar release documents, including data for plant patent requirements.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

A. Participate in professional/technical societies or groups and educational and research organizations; attend seminars, meetings, and outreach events; prepare abstracts, posters, and slides; present results at scientific meetings, extension meetings, field days, and other outreach activities.

B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

C. Contribute to writing reports, cultivar release and plant patent documents, and assist with manuscript preparation.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10%)

A. Maintain liaison with industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and external groups, including stakeholders, growers, shippers, packers, farm advisors, and California Strawberry Commission staff, on issues related to area of expertise and outreach activities.

B. Participate in department, college, campus, and other university activities, including organizing meetings and assisting with field experiments as part of the breeding program.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A. Bachelor of Science in Plant Breeding, Plant Sciences, Pomology, Horticulture or comparable field

B. Four to six years of experience in on-farm crop trialing, data collection and organization, and maintaining records

C. Skills to critically evaluate fruit and plant characteristics and assess horticultural value

D. Valid CA Driver's license to travel throughout California

E. Computer skills to input spreadsheets, graph data, and develop presentation materials

Preferred qualifications (not required)

F. Master of Science in Plant Breeding, Plant Sciences, Pomology, Horticulture or comparable field

G. Knowledge of genetics and plant breeding, plant pathogens and pests control, and horticultural techniques for strawberry establishment and maintenance

H. Ability to communicate in Spanish as well as English

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Authorization to Release Information Form (required for all academic recruitments). See Employment Disclosure Requirements for details. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference requirements

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

Help contact: ...@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, finalists may be required to disclose adverse administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years related to misconduct. Misconduct definitions and related policies apply, including UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and related University policies.

• Misconduct definitions and related policies are described by UC policies
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants to complete, sign, and upload the Authorization to Release Information form into UC RECRUIT. Applications missing this form will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, UC may employ individuals legally eligible to work in the United States. Some positions funded by federal contracts may require E-Verify. More information is available at:

UC Davis is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Resources and programs reflect the universitys core values and mission. UC Davis supports sustainability and campus safety initiatives and is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements. Federal, state, or local directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

San Luis Obispo, California