Full Specialist for the Contained Research Facility (CRF)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Davis seeks a Specialist to lead CRF biosafety operations and ensure compliant research space management in a biosafety level III plant quarantine setting.

Responsibilities include coordinating facility maintenance, advising researchers on biosafety, and contributing to planning and collaboration across departments and external partners.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead scientist for the Contained Research Facility (CRF) ensuring biosafety standards.
• Coordinate maintenance, repair, and certification of infrastructure and equipment; advise researchers on biosafety needs.
• Engage in university service, collaborations, and input for planning research and educational programs.

Skills

Greenhouse & lab research

Regulatory awareness

Collaboration with researchers

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in plant pest research

Job description

Salary range:

The salary range for this position is $96,500-$159,600. Off-scale salaries, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Application window

Open date: September 11, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Nov 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) – Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 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

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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• 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.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience managing or conducting research in a Biosafety Level III-Plant (BSL III-P) quarantine


• Ability to communicate and collaborate with other research and extension personnel


• Ability to learn about the physical systems that are required to maintain quarantine conditions, laboratories, and greenhouses.


• Experience conducting field research

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover Letter


• Statement of Research - Please only submit if outlining BSL3-P experience (Optional)


• 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

• 4 required (contact information only)

Help contact: [e-mail]

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.

• \"Misconduct\" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties


• APM - 035: Affimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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 or 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.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: \"To Boldly Go\", our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.

Job location

Davis, CA