Full Specialist for the Contained Research Facility (CRF)

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California at Davis invites applications for a Specialist who will lead the Contained Research Facility (CRF), a Biosafety Level III-Plant quarantine. This role ensures fair space allocation, coordinates maintenance and certification of infrastructure, and advises researchers on biosafety needs to meet high containment standards.

The Specialist will collaborate with research teams and extension personnel, contribute to SOP updates, and support the university's biosafety program

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. degree with 6+ years of experience in plant pest research in relevant fields.
• Experience conducting greenhouse and laboratory research on invasive plant pests or pest plants.
• Prior training in keeping up with changes to regulations for maintaining a BSL III-P facility and permitting plant pests.

Responsibilities

• Lead oversight of the Contained Research Facility (CRF), a Biosafety Level III-Plant quarantine, ensuring space is used properly and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate maintenance, repair, and certification of infrastructure and equipment; advise researchers on biosafety needs.
• Collaborate with research and extension personnel, contribute to SOP updates, and support biosafety program planning.

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. degree with 6+ years of experience in plant pest research

Job description

SPECIALIST POSITION OVERVIEW

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or regulations and protocols associated with USDA certified plant pest quarantines) in the planning and execution of a research project under regulatory constraints. 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 AREAS (85% EFFORT)

A. Serve as the lead scientist responsible for primary oversight of the Contained Research Facility (CRF), a Biosafety Level III-Plant quarantine. Responsible for ensuring that CRF research space is assigned fairly and used properly; assist in the coordination of maintenance, repair, and/or certification of infrastructure and equipment with appropriate trades people; interact with other University service units to ensure all regulations are followed by CRF users; advise researchers on biosafety needs and proper conduct of the research to achieve appropriate biosafety standards; and assist in maintaining current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the CRF. Responsible for developing solutions to meet compliance requirements and provide resources and systems to assist with the safe conduct of biological research and efficient maintenance of the Biosafety Program. Initiate and assist in the annual review of recharge rates for the CRF. B. Assist and collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving plant pests and pest plants that must be studied in the CRF. 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:

1. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
2. Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
3. Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
4. Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
5. Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations. B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise. B. Participate in the UCD High Containment Facilities Oversight Group (HCFOG) and UCD Cores Connect Community, and participate in the activities of other committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate

• Ph.D. or M.S. degree with 6+ years of experience in plant pest research, such as Entomology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Ecology, or closely related fields
• Experience conducting greenhouse and laboratory research on invasive plant pests or pest plants
• Prior training in keeping up with the changes to regulations in maintaining a BSL III-P facility and to changes in permitting plant pests for research at both the state and federal level.