Updated Junior Specialist in Kearney Agricultural Center

Position overview

Salary range :

Step 1 or Step 2 : A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2

Application Window

Open date : October 28, 2025

Next review date : Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date : Friday, Nov 14, 2025 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 Kearney Agricultural Center seeks a full-time Junior Specialist to assist the PI, Dr. Matthew Fidelibus, to collect important data to better understand grape cluster arm abscission and natural berry drying, which will inform the USDA raisin grape breeding program and help refine cultural practices for natural dry-on-vine raisin varieties.

The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant histology and contribute to cutting-edge research in Viticulture. The ideal candidate will be organized, collaborative, and enthusiastic about learning and discovery. We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Junior Specialist to support ongoing research in raisin development, with a particular emphasis on histological techniques and microscopic imaging. The successful candidate will assist with sample preparation, imaging, and data analysis for studies focused on plant anatomy and physiology. This position contributes to our central role in advancing research in plant biology and agricultural science, including efforts to characterize naturally dried-on-vine (NDOV) raisin varieties.

This position will be located at the

UC Davis Kearney Agricultural Center, in Parlier, CA.

No prior experience in viticulture is required; training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities :

• Prepare and embed plant tissues using paraffin or resin-based techniques.
• Operate and maintain microtomes to produce high-quality tissue sections.
• Prepare, stain, and mount slides for microscopic examination.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and follow safety and quality control protocols.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including USDA researchers.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to sample preparation and sectioning.
• Provide flexible support to new projects and team initiatives.

RESEARCH (90%)

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE & ACTIVITY (5%)

UNIVERSITY & PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate will assist in recruiting, overseeing and working with undergraduate students. Mentoring will include teaching the students about tissue preparation and microscopic examination.

Work Environment :

Per 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 with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Histotechnology, Plant Science, or related field.

Preferred qualifications

(other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form .

Reference requirements

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07376

Help contact : ansjacobs@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

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.

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at : http : / / www.uscis.gov / e-verify

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Job location

Davis, CA