Assistant Research Scientist, Strawberry Center

Role Description

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the incumbent will design, implement, and evaluate laboratory- and field-based research projects focused on improving crop health, productivity, and production practices. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, maintaining research plots, assisting with crop production activities, and coordinating activities with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners. The Assistant Research Scientist also contributes to report writing, outreach activities, and day-to-day operations of the Center to ensure the successful execution of research and education programs. This position reports to the Field Research Manager, with 80% of responsibilities listed below carried out with independent discretion and intellectual decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities (ordered by importance)

• Plan and execute laboratory- and field-based research in collaboration with other Center researchers using sound experimental design and a thorough understanding of the biological systems being studied. Current research priorities include disease and arthropod management, farming without fumigants, irrigation, water quality and nutrient management, labor-saving automation and other important issues in California strawberry production.
• Accountable for ensuring the quality and precision of experiments, including trial design, proper equipment calibration and operation as well as data collection, analysis, and reporting results.
• Manage greenhouse and field plots, including plant care, irrigation, pest control, and data collection.
• Manage Strawberry Academy program.
• Train, assist and/or provide supervision and mentoring of students and other staff working on Strawberry Center projects and related activities.
• Monitor plant health and environmental conditions to ensure optimal growth and experimental consistency.
• Collect, organize and summarize experimental data.
• Conduct statistical analyses using standard statistical software programs such as SAS, Minitab, ARM, Sigma Plot or other appropriate software.
• Review literature, research results, testing procedures, and laboratory operations to enhance project success.
• Prepare written reports for research projects and work towards publishing peer-reviewed papers.
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations at field days, grower and scientific meetings and other events to represent the Strawberry Center and disseminate research results to growers, pest control advisors and the scientific community.
• Work with, apply and safely handle agricultural chemicals such as fungicides, insecticides, soil fumigants, biological control agents, fertilizers and other products currently in use or for experimental purposes.
• Follow good agricultural practices to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and common-sense regarding safety.
• Order and maintain needed inventory for research and personal protective equipment.
• ·Maintain a variety of complex and confidential files and records.
• ·Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year university with a Bachelor of Science degree (plant pathology, entomology, biology, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, or related) OR completion of four-year college degree plus two years of relative experience OR over 5 years working experience in a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Possess a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation or obtain one within the first 6 months of employment.
• Operate personal computer with proficient use of a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), databases, desktop publishing, email and calendaring systems.
• Ability to occasionally work longer hours, evenings and weekends in order to meet deadlines and complete projects.
• Valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to independently travel to strawberry production regions within California.
• Demonstrated skills or aptitude in technical writing and statistical analysis.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a diverse population of students, staff, university and industry personnel.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, including English grammar, spelling, punctuation, composition, and proof reading.
• Ability to maintain a variety of complex and confidential files and records.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual and reliable attendance.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrists to operate a computer keyboard and various pieces of lab and field equipment.
• Seeing to read a variety of written materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.
• Independently commuting on an as-needed basis to strawberry production regions within California.