Under general supervision, provide technical support in the Foundation Plant Services (FPS) Plant Identification Laboratory by conducting variety identification testing of FPS Foundation Greenhouse grapevines and evaluating new marker systems for use in variety identification. Work closely with colleagues to coordinate and lead FPS identification testing efforts utilizing microsatellite markers and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Independently analyze and review raw CE data using custom fragment analysis genotyping software and report results. Evaluate non-microsatellite markers and data to improve variety identification. Support routine sampling and testing throughout the year of vineyards, orchards, greenhouse plants and newly introduced plant materials. Multiple and diverse projects will be coordinated concurrently.

Apply By Date

09/30/2026 by 11:59 pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• BS degree in Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, or related field of study.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a molecular biology or genetics laboratory with demonstrated basic genetics or molecular biology laboratory skills [e.g., micropipetting, nucleic acid isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and nucleic acid quantification] and operation of specialized laboratory equipment (e.g., a capillary electrophoresis sequencer/genetic analyzer).
• Specialized knowledge of genetics and molecular biology of clonal specialty crops with an emphasis on genotyping and variety identification of grapevines and temperate fruit and nut trees.
• Ability to analyze plant variety identification results from molecular marker data for validity, including researching variety information from available variety databases, pedigrees, plant patents, and other records.
• Demonstrated ability to process and interpret capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis data to recognize irregular or invalid results, assess and troubleshoot results to correct or modify techniques using independent judgement and originality.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate assigned priorities with time, equipment, and material requirements necessary to execute diverse protocols and maintain documentation while adhering to established laboratory safety requirements.
• Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature to understand and adopt or adapt new methodologies to improve both research and service programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, or related field of study, or equivalent experience.
• Preferred 2 years of experience in a molecular biology or genetics laboratory with demonstrated specialized skills of genotyping clonal crops using microsatellite markers and capillary electrophoresis for plant variety identification.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a flexible manner under the pressure created in an active service/academic environment while keeping detailed, accurate, neat and legible experimental records, including effective and efficient use of cloud-based file sharing, such as Box or OneDrive.
• Ability to write competitive grants applications to fund research, annual reports for the funded grants, and scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed journals.

Key Responsibilities

• 75% - DNA-Based Variety ID Of Dept Collections
• 15% - Design And Conduct Research On DNA ID FPS Crops
• 5% - DNA-Based Variety ID Of External ID Client Samples
• 5% - Maintain An Efficient And Effective Lab

Department Overview

Foundation Plant Services (FPS) is a self-supporting center in CAES whose primary function is to produce, maintain, and distribute virus- and identity-tested plant materials of deciduous fruit and nut trees, grapevines, strawberries, sweet potatoes and roses for research and public commercial use. The FPS Plant Identification Lab subunit is responsible for identity testing foundation plants to verify their true-to-variety status for internal quality control and to meet CDFA Registration and Certification program requirements.

Department Specific Job Scope

Variety identification testing in the FPS Plant Identification Lab requires laboratory processing and data generation followed by data analysis and in-depth review to identify possible errors and finalize results, providing guidance to other FPS units for whether to proceed with operations involving the identity-tested plant selections. In addition, the FPS Plant Identification Lab is working towards streamlining its testing process through the adoption of high throughput genetic markers, which require critical evaluation of their performance and reliability for variety identification. Finalized variety identification testing results, whether using current or future genetic marker technology, are critical to the internal quality control and adherence to CDFA Registration and Certification program requirements of FPS operation.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $75 , 444.67 - $121 , 316.07
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: 105
• UC Job Title: SRA 3
• UC Job Code: 009611
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 50 % Variable
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 10am-2pm
• Location: Davis, Ca
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees .

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life , short/long term disability , pet insurance , legal coverage , accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave , Family & Medical Leave , Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• N/A

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.