Position Overview

The University of California's Department of Nematology is seeking a part-time (40%) Researcher in Nematology to join the Groen Lab. This role combines research, funding acquisition, and educational program development.

Primary Responsibilities

Research Leadership
The successful candidate will spearhead an innovative research program focused on gene-by-gene and gene-by-environment interactions. They will investigate how genetic variation within species populations (including humans and parasitic nematodes) influences responses to external stimuli such as anti-parasitic drugs and explore mechanisms by which genetic variation modulates environmental impacts on phenotypic expression.

Funding Acquisition

• Secure grants to support and expand the research program.

Curriculum Development

• Contribute to the development of educational programs related to genetics.

Required Qualifications

At the time of application, candidates must possess:

1. A Ph.D. in molecular genetics, genomics, or a closely related field
2. A minimum of 8 years of research experience in molecular genetics and genomics
3. Demonstrated success in securing grants from federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH, or equivalent)
4. Extensive experience in:

• Functional genetics and genomics
• DNA sequencing techniques
• Bioinformatic analysis

5. A strong publication record in leading peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will also possess a strong background in developing comprehensive educational programs focused on genetics. We particularly value experience in:

• Curriculum Design, creating engaging and up-to-date genetics course materials and tailoring curricula to diverse audience levels, from high school to graduate students
• Interdisciplinary Approach, integrating genetics education with related fields such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and genomics 

Advancement through the Researcher ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

To apply: submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, and information for two referees to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02029. Review of applications will commence on January 20, 2025, and proceed until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Adler Dillman, Department of Nematology, at adler.dillman@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Mr. Troy Hall, Academic Personnel, at troy.hall@ucr.edu.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The Department of Nematology at the University of California invites applicants for Assistant Project Scientist to conduct applied research for the in Riverside, CA. This position will start on July 1, 2024. The current base pay range for this position is $71,500 to $91,000. 

The Assistant Project Scientist (APS) will lead projects in biological and biorational management of nematode parasites of perennial crops. The person will design, conduct and analyze experiments. The APS will interpret the results and will draft manuscripts. The position requires foundational knowledge of nematode diseases of perennial crops, a minimum of five years of experience in these crops is necessary. Skills include classical nematology methods including field research design, classical extraction procedures, and morphological identification of parasitic nematodes. The project has molecular components that require basic knowledge of molecular methods including insight in biometric analysis of microbiome data. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. 

Basic Qualifications: The position requires a Ph.D. in Nematology or Plant Pathology or closely related field. Basic skills in morphological identification of fungi and plant-parasitic nematodes is required. Some molecular biology working knowledge is necessary. 

Preferred Qualifications: Some working knowledge of biometric analysis of sequencing data is preferred. 

Additional Qualifications: The candidate must be well-versed in research with whole plants. Experience with perennial crop systems is needed. 

Advancement through the Project Scientist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years [For Academic Coordinators: “2 years”], each of which includes substantial peer input. [For Lecturers, state the following instead of the above: “For advancement information for Lecturers, please refer to the Contract for the Lecturers Unit (IX) between the University of California and the American Federation of Teachers: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ix/contract.html.”] 

To apply: submit application to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF1885. Review of applications will commence on February 29, 2024. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date. 

For more information about this position, please contact Andreas Westphal, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Nematology, at andreas.westphal@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Troy Hall Jr., Academic Personnel, at troy.hall@ucr.edu.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. 

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HRSU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. 

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

University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.