Assistant Research Specialist/Grettenberger Lab

Overview

The Dept. of Entomology and Nematology is seeking an Assistant Specialist for the Field and Vegetable Crop Arthropod IPM Lab. The Asst. Specialist will be based at the USDA-ARS in Salinas, CA and operate under the direct guidance of Dr. Ian Grettenberger at UC Davis and Daniel Hasegawa at USDA-ARS. This is a full-time, two-year position. We aim to hire to conduct research in arthropod integrated pest management and insect ecology in the. This aim of this position is to help develop biologically integrated management strategies for two key insect pests of California lettuce - aphids and thrips. The work will focus on integrating and optimizing the use of insectary plants and non-crop habitat for managing these pests under various landscape gradients, assessing the use of annual and perennial plants for supporting natural enemies and pest populations, and extending project results and information to key agriculture stakeholders. Primary responsibilities will be to coordinate and execute field trials in the Salinas Valley. The candidate will play a critical role in coordinating the establishment of trials, data collection, and communication with growers and pest control advisor collaborators.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Research in Specialized areas (90%):

The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:

* Establish research trials in commercial lettuce fields to assess the impact of intercropped and boarder plantings of sweet alyssum on natural enemies and biological control of aphids and thrips. Assist with the logistics of establishing and executing field trials with growers, ranch mangers, and pest control advisors.

* Survey existing and new hedgerows to quantify pest and beneficial insect abundance. Establish new hedgerows at the Spence research farm, manage hedgerows, and quantify their impact on pest and beneficial insect abundance.

* Process plant samples and insect samples acquired from field trials and annual and perennial plantings.

* Rear aphid colonies for use in field trials and develop rearing and deployment

protocols.

* Read scientific literature and relevant industry publications. Contribute to the production of scholarly manuscripts and assist with the preparation and delivery of outreach and education publications and field days and demonstrations with stakeholders.

* Meet with PI and other cooperators to discuss background literature and concurrent projects.

Professional Competence (5%):

* The incumbent will present research, with possibilities at extension meetings,

regional entomology meetings, or national entomology meetings. The incumbent will deliver presentations in poster and/or oral formats.

* The incumbent will be encouraged to participate in/attend weekly lab meetings,

weekly seminars in the Department of Entomology.

* The candidate may help train other staff or lab members on field and laboratory

procedures.

University and Public Service (5%):

* Participate in committee activities within the department, college, or other University divisions as relevant.

* As a public service, the incumbent will also be encouraged to participate in outreach activities, such as those held as part of events hosted by the Bohart Museum of Entomology, the Department of Entomology and Nematology, or conducted independently by the Grettenberger lab. This could include various events aimed to promote integrated pest management among California stakeholders.

This position requires possession of a Master's degree in in Entomology or related field, or possession of a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience. Training in techniques and methods in agricultural field research is required.

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.

Other preferred, but not required, qualifications are:

* 1-2 years experience in agricultural field research and sampling insect populations in cropping systems.

* 1-2 years experience working with grower, pest control advisor, or other relevant industry cooperators.

* Experience rearing and optimizing rearing of insects

* Ability to independently identify and troubleshoot technical and logistical challenges in field research.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences through publications, reports, and presentations.

* Willing and capable of driving to and working in outdoor, sometimes distant, agricultural locations. Overnight travel and long travel days associated with research, extension, and coordinating with UC Davis-based personnel may occasionally be required.

* Strong collaboration skills, with experience working in diverse research teams and engaging with growers, pest control advisors, and other stakeholders.

• 3-5 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.
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