Assistant Specialist - UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program
Listed on 2026-01-27
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Research/Development
Research Scientist -
Healthcare
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.
Open date: August 18, 2025
Most recent review date: Friday, Sep 19, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
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 descriptionThe 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%)
A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving the strawberry 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:
B. 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…
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