Jr. Specialist- Brummer Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for the Jr. Specialist position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

Open date: February 23, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Mar 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Feb 23, 2027 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.

The Plant Sciences Department is hiring a Junior Specialist to work on alfalfa, hemp, and spinach breeding programs, including field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities. The incumbent will be involved in research experiments, collecting data, and maintaining research program activities leading to research presentations and publications, grant proposals, and germplasm and cultivar releases. In addition, the Jr. Specialist is required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving research projects for the spinach, alfalfa, and/or hemp breeding program.

• Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:
  • Publication that acknowledges the incumbent's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
  • Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
  • Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
  • Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
  • Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.
• B. Serve as a research coordinator for alfalfa, hemp, and spinach breeding and genetics projects conducted by PIs in the department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).
  • The incumbent will work on field trials, greenhouse seed production, making crosses by hand, organizing and maintaining inventory in seed storage, and collecting and processing plant samples for compositional evaluation or for DNA extraction.
  • The incumbent will mentor undergraduate student interns as needed, such as demonstrating crosses, field management methods, phenotyping, and other data collection.
  • The incumbent will collect and evaluate phenotypic trait data, measure yield and other traits using electronic data collection devices and research plot equipment. Will assist with lab work, basic statistical data analysis, presentation of data, and computer management of data files.
  • The incumbent will contribute to the project by helping to determine which germplasm to include in trials, deciding how to streamline and improve field and greenhouse research trial procedures, and researching and recommending the best suppliers of research equipment and materials. Will work with PI and Project Scientist to curate and analyze data and to assist with preparation of publications and cultivar releases.
  • The incumbent will participate in meetings between UC faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and staff to assist in the coordination of various crop breeding projects.

• Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

• May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
• Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be…