MUSEUM SCI (Director of Collaboration for Plant Pathogen Strain Identification)

Department Purpose

The Department of Plant Sciences conducts research, teaching and extension activities to create new knowledge, train students and benefit industry and consumers through targeted basic research, mission-oriented research, formal teaching and dissemination of information to industry and consumers; the department conducts inter- and intradepartmental research aimed at solving problems of major consequence to California, USA and other nations. The Research and Information Centers (RICs) provide information and publicize cutting edge technology in the field to consumers and industry through workshops, seminars and high-profile events for a wide range of audiences. The Seed Biotechnology Center (SBC) is one of the RICs. The SBC is a focal point for interaction between the seed industry and the research and educational resources of the University of California, Davis. It coordinates research to address problems of interest to the seed industry and provides continuing education in seed biology and technology. Its mission is to mobilize the research, educational and outreach resources of the University of California, in partnership with the seed and plant biotechnology industries, to facilitate discovery and commercialization of new seed technologies for agricultural and consumer benefit. The Collaboration for Plant Pathogen Strain Identification (CPPSI) is part of the SBC. CPPSI is a science-based, vegetable seed industry sponsored initiative to standardize the identification of plant pathogen strains and races based on sets of host differentials and reference plant pathogen strains or races. Under the supervision of an SBC Professional Scientist, the Museum Scientist will provide high level management and leadership for all aspects of CPPSI operations and work closely with members of the CPPSI working group to coordinate activities for the identification, collection, and development of the CPPSI hosts, reference plant pathogens, informative white papers and facilitate their distribution on request. In addition, the Museum Scientist will maintain and grow associated partnerships required to sustain the successful CPPSI program and the continued support from industry and academia.

Job Summary

Manage and lead all aspects of Collaboration for Plant Pathogen Strain Identification (CPPSI), a collaborative effort of industry, government and academic partners to identify, collect, maintain and distribute differential plant host sets, reference plant pathogen strains and informative white papers, collectively referred to as Reference Materials. Sets of Reference Materials are used to identify plant pathogen strains and races through the pattern of susceptible and resistance reactions across a set of differential hosts by the pathogen in question.

The successful candidate will work closely with an Advisory Council comprised of representatives of Collaboration for Plant Pathogen Strain Identification (CPPSI) seed industry sponsors, a Technical Working Group of seed industry scientists, Collaborators and Stakeholders to provide the leadership and operational direction to facilitate the development of Reference Materials. The successful candidate will manage the systems, procedures and partnerships required to maintain and grow a successful and sustainable program that receives continued support from industry, governmental and academic partners.

Collaborate with members of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), American Phytopathological Society (APS), the International Seed Federation (ISF), Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA) as well as agencies and institutions, such as GEVES-MATREF (France) and Naktuinbouw (NL) in support of CPPSI operations and Reference Materials development.

Supervision

The candidate is an employee of the University of California at Davis, is based in the Seed Biotechnology Center and reports to a supervisor in the department of Plant Sciences.

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Travel by car or air to meeting sites, including occasional overnight stay in California, US and International locations
• A valid CA driver’s license is required
• Ability to manipulate objects weighing up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• Ability and willingness to travel in state, out-of-state and international.
• Work on occasional evenings and weekends
• Work a flexible schedule to meet operational needs
• Initial funding for this position is solely supported by gifts and will remain open as long as they are continued.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s 10 years’ experience; Master’s 5 years of experience; PhD 3 years of experience in Plant Pathology, Agricultural Science and/or related field in the Biological Sciences.
• Experience: program management, team leadership, technical writing, seed business, plant pathology and biological research, budget management, web site maintenance. Experience maintaining and tracking inventories and projects.
• Demonstrated experience in working with differential plant host sets and reference plant pathogen strains and Phytosanitary permits.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in desktop publishing and image processing.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills to use and maintain databases, spreadsheets and word processing using programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with the seed industry and general agricultural crop practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Knowledge and experience in collecting data and organizing it in a concise and accurate fashion.
• Experience in program administration with demonstrated management skills in planning, analysis, organization, leadership, conflict resolution, decision making and independent thinking.
• Demonstrated skills to conduct thorough logical analysis of a situation, task or program, including identification of issues, challenges, barriers, possible solution, weighing their pros and cons, and plan and positively resolve the situation.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Ability to prioritize functions and to deal simultaneously and effectively with a number of ongoing activities.
• Proficiency in electronic communications, including e-mail and the internet.
• Publication, printing and production knowledge and layout skills.
• Publicity/promotion/media skills.
• Familiarity with USDA Plant Pathogen permitting system and seed import/export Phytosanitary regulations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

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