The Manosalva lab is seeking for a highly motivated and skilled post-doctoral fellow to work on elucidating the molecular basis of plant immunity to Phytophthora spp. and P. cinnamomi pathogenicity and host adaptation using model plants and crops.

The most notorious oomycetes belong to the Phytophthora genus (the so-called “plant destroyers”), which are arguably the most devastating pathogens for agriculture. The Manosalva lab’s research portfolio includes studying the mechanisms underlaying Phytophthora cinnamomi pathogenicity, host adaptation, and plant immunity to P. infestans and P. cinnamomi using molecular, genetics, biochemical, and oomic approaches to identify plant and/or pathogen targets that can be used to engineer resistant crops through conventional breeding or genetic engineering.

Job Description: The successful candidate will primarily focus on the biochemical and functional characterization of several plant and pathogen candidate genes associated with resistance and pathogenicity respectively using model plants and crops. To do this, the postdoc will integrate the data from comparative genomics and transcriptomics studies conducted in the lab and will use several functional genomics approaches to determine the function of these candidate genes. In addition, the postdoc will explore new approaches including P. cinnamomi transformation, to conduct the functional studies of pathogen genes. This position entails laboratory and greenhouse work. The appointee will analyze large datasets, write progress reports, and publications in a timely manner. The postdoc will work in a team that includes other postdocs, assistants, national and international collaborators, graduate, and undergraduate students. The position is initially for one year, renewable upon satisfactory performance.

Minimum qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related areas.
• Highly motivated candidates with an interest in using cutting-edge functional genomic, proteomic, and biochemistry approaches to the study of plant-microbe interactions are encouraged to apply.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA- and RNA-based techniques) demonstrated by publications.
• Experience with basic biochemistry techniques routinely used in MPMI studies (i.e. protein expression, yeast two hybrids, and Co-immunoprecipitation studies) demonstrated by publications.
• Excellent oral and written communication, since this position involves writing manuscripts and assisting the PI in grant writing activities and progress reports for funding agencies.
• A record of scientific accomplishment by peer-reviewed publications.
• Work independently and in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience/knowledge related to plant-oomycete molecular interactions and effectoromics will be a plus.
• Experience with genetic transformation in plant and/or microbes.
• Experience with microscopy techniques.
• Experience with execution of bioinformatic pipelines for genome and transcriptome sequencing analyses.
• Demonstrated skills and experience analyzing Next Generation Sequencing data.

How to Apply/Contact: The position could commence as early as May but no later than June 2022. Screening will start on May 1st 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience (https://graduate.ucr.edu/postdoctoral-studies). All UC Riverside Postdoctoral scholars are eligible to participate in the Postdoctoral Scholar Benefit Plans, which include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Candidates should apply directly to Dr. Patricia Manosalva via email to patricia.manosalva@ucr.edu by submitting a single PDF file containing: Curriculum vitae (CV) listing the contact information of three references and cover letter indicating your research interest and how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The subject of the email should be “MPMI Postdoctoral Scholar”.

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. UCR is a worldclass research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. 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.

University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: Job Postings/New Hires From Outside UC: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for the deadlines applicable to new University of California employees. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The Glassman Lab at the University of California, Riverside is now accepting applications for a postdoctoral scholar position focused on fungal ecology and genomics research. The recruit will be part of a USDA funded project to use genomics of bacteria and fungi to study the traits of pyrophilous “fire-loving” microbes using an extensive culture collection. The Glassman lab studies ectomycorrhizal, arbuscular mycorrhizal, and saprobic fungal ecology, bacterial-fungal interactions, decomposition, the impacts of fires on fungi and bacteria, and the use of microbes to improve post-fire regeneration. We use a combination of approaches including fieldwork, greenhouse work, culturing, molecular ecology, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analyses to advance fungal ecology. For more information on the Glassman lab please visit our website: https://sydneyglassman.wordpress.com.

Applicants should have, or be close to receiving, a PhD in genomics, microbial ecology, mycology, molecular ecology, or a closely related area. Minimum qualifications:

1. Expertise with bacterial or fungal genomics
2. Expertise coding in R and/or Python
3. Expertise in advanced multivariate statistics
4. At least one peer-reviewed first-author publication in a related field
5. Effective written and oral communication skills
6. Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
7. Passion for fungi

Additional preferred qualifications:

1. Expertise with sterile technique and bacterial or fungal culturing techniques
2. Expertise with molecular techniques including DNA extractions and PCRs

How to apply/contact: We are looking to hire for a start date in September/October 2022. Screening will begin April 15 and will continue until the position is filled. Salary scales for first-year postdoctoral scholars begin at $54,540 and are available on this website (https://graduate.ucr.edu/postdoctoral-studies). All UC Riverside Postdoctoral scholars are eligible to participate in the Postdoctoral Scholar Benefit Plans, which include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Candidates should apply directly to Dr. Sydney Glassman via email to sydneyg@ucr.edu by submitting a single PDF file containing: Curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter indicating your research interests and how you meet the minimum qualifications, and listing the contact information of three references. Please name your PDF as such: “LastName_FirstName_postdocapp2022.pdf”. The subject of the email should be “Postdoctoral Scholar in Fungal Genomics”.

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, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. 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. 

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees must (a) provide proof of receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment and provide proof of Full Vaccination no later than eight weeks after their first date of employment; or (b) if applicable, submit a request for Exception or Deferral no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. 

The Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of California, Riverside invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to conduct research in Plant Virology under the supervision of Professor Georgios Vidalakis. The purpose of this position is to conduct independent research in citrus virology and to study the biological and molecular properties and potential transmission of a novel plant associated virus-like RNA species tentatively named iRNA (i.e., citrus yellow-vein associated virus, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.683130/full).   

The selected candidate will work at the Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP) towards citrus transmission experiments to study iRNA tree delivery protocols (Agro-infiltration, RNA, mechanical, grafting etc.), transmissibility (insect, pollen, pruning, seed etc.), mobility, host range, symptomatology, interactions with other citrus viral pathogens as well as effects on tree physiology, growth, and fruit production and quality of commercially important citrus scion and rootstock varieties. The selected candidate will also test samples from USA citrus producing areas to develop information on the iRNA distribution in the country. The selected candidate will be responsible for managing the research project, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and reporting requirements; mentoring students and performing other CCPP related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications for this position include: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or Entomology with experience in Plant Virology and a background in RNA biology particularly plant viruses and their transmission. Candidates must have hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid extraction, cloning, Agro-infiltration, RT-qPCR, protoplast work, library construction, recombinant protein expression and purification, hybridization, ELISA etc.) as well as knowledge of executing and care of plant and insect transmission experiments in greenhouse, screenhouse, growth chamber, and field.  Excellent communication skills to include written communication and ability to compose manuscripts for peer reviewed technical journal publications are expected. Candidates must be able to drive in California and work under hot greenhouse and field conditions. Preferred qualifications include: Experience working with citrus or other woody perennial tree crops. Experience in protoplast extraction and transfection, cloning and sequencing, conducting insect transmission experiments, data analysis and bioinformatics would be considered an asset.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. 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.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae including a publication list and the names of three current, professional references to include e-mail address and telephone number to Prof. Vidalakis via email to vidalg@ucr.edu with cc to carolyna@ucr.edu and kiran.tnau@gmail.com

Review of applications will commence on November 15, 2021 and proceed until position is filled.  For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications by the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Carolyn Anderson at carolyna@ucr.edu.

The Glassman Lab at the University of California, Riverside is now accepting applications for a postdoctoral scholar position focused on fungal ecology research. The Glassman lab studies ectomycorrhizal, arbuscular mycorrhizal, and saprobic fungal ecology, bacterial-fungal interactions, decomposition, the impacts of fires on fungi and bacteria, and the use of microbes to improve post-fire regeneration. The recruit has the potential to lead ongoing projects in the Glassman lab or propose their own independent idea relevant to ongoing projects in the Glassman lab. We use a combination of approaches including fieldwork, greenhouse work, culturing, molecular ecology, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analyses to advance fungal ecology. For more information on the Glassman lab please visit our website: https://sydneyglassman.wordpress.com.

Applicants should have, or be close to receiving, a PhD in microbial ecology, mycology, molecular ecology, or a closely related area. Applicants with experience working with arbuscular and/or ectomycorrhizal fungi will be given high priority. Additional minimum qualifications include: at least one peer-reviewed first-author publication in a related field, willingness to perform field work in California, effective written and oral communication skills, ability to work well independently and as part of a team, and passion for fungi. Additional necessary qualifications include: bacterial or fungal culturing, expertise in ecological experimental design, programming in R, advanced multivariate statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and molecular techniques including DNA extractions, PCRs, and 16S or ITS sequencing. Experience with or desire to learn network analysis, metagenomics, genomics, or transcriptomics would be a bonus.

UC Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. 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.

How to apply/contact: The position could commence as early as April 15, 2021 but no later than July 15, 2021. Screening will begin February 15 and will continue until the position is filled. Salary scales for first-year postdoctoral scholars begin at $53,460 and are available on this website (https://graduate.ucr.edu/postdoctoral-studies). All UC Riverside Postdoctoral scholars are eligible to participate in the Postdoctoral Scholar Benefit Plans, which include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Candidates should apply directly to Dr. Sydney Glassman via email to sydneyg@ucr.edu by submitting a single PDF file containing: Curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter indicating your research interests and how you meet the minimum qualifications, and listing the contact information of three references. The subject of the email should be “Postdoctoral Scholar in Fungal Ecology”.

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, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Glassman Lab (https://sydneyglassman.wordpress.com/) in the Microbiology and Plant Pathology Department at UC Riverside (https://plantpath.ucr.edu/) is seeking a motivated, organized, detail-oriented research technician to work on the molecular-level activities of soil organisms. We are open to hiring at multiple levels of experience: therefore, applicants with either a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. are welcome to apply.

The specialist will be responsible for 1) keeping the lab neat and organized 2) purchasing supplies and maintaining chemical and lab safety standards for the lab 3) training undergraduate and graduate students in molecular methods 4) conducting field work and/or greenhouse work 5) growing bacterial and fungal cultures and making stocks 6) setting up ecological experiments with fungal and bacterial cultures 7) performing DNA extractions from cultures, soils, and roots 8) setting up Illumina MiSeq libraries of 16S and ITS 9) performing qPCR for bacteria and fungi 10) performing techniques associated with identifying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores and root colonization 11) performing bioinformatics associated with amplicon sequencing 12) making conceptual figures or science communication artwork in Adobe Illustrator.

Required qualifications at time of application for this position include:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, genetics, genomics and bioinformatics, or related field is required.
• Knowledge of sterile technique, experience with microbial culturing and expertise in pipetting and troubleshooting DNA extractions and PCR.
• Interest in training undergraduates and graduate students and performing a mix of field work and benchwork is required.

Preferred qualifications for this position include:

• Experience with all of the above responsibilities (1-12) is not necessary but please indicate in your cover letter which of the above you have experience with and which you are interested in learning.
• Interest in fungi or desire to learn about fungi is a plus, as is experience with the University of California purchasing system, interest in art/drawing and experience with Adobe Illustrator.

Advancement through the Specialist 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 curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter indicating your research interests and how you meet the required or preferred qualifications, and provide the contact information of three references to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01551.  The position could commence as early as April 1, 2022 but no later than May 1, 2022. The position will be initially for one year with the hope that specialist will stay for multiple years if mutually desired. Screening will begin March 20, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date. All UC employees receive comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Sydney Glassman, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, at sydneyg@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Mrs. Rocio McFadden, Academic Personnel, at rocio.mcfadden@ucr.edu.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. 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, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees must (a) provide proof of receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment and provide proof of Full Vaccination no later than eight weeks after their first date of employment; or (b) if applicable, submit a request for Exception or Deferral no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The UCR avocado rootstock breeding program is recruiting a highly motivated scientist to work on different research projects recently funded by USDA and various industry partners. The UCR breeding program is a very active and recognized avocado breeding program worldwide. The goal of the program is to develop and release the next generation of avocado rootstocks resistant to biotic (i.e. Phytophthora cinnamomi) and/or abiotic stresses (i.e. salinity, drought) using traditional breeding complemented with genomic-assisted breeding approaches.

Job description. The successful candidate will conduct mainly greenhouse and field work. The candidate will work under the supervision of senior personnel and will work in collaboration with several members from the Manosalva Laboratory as well as collaborators from other institutions. The duties for this position are described below:

• Maintenance and cultural care of avocado liners, seedlings, and trees at the greenhouse and fields at UCR (Riverside), South Coast Extension and Research Center (Irvine), and other off- campus cooperator sites on public and private land (Southern and Northern California).
• Assist in the establishment of new rootstock trials and collect field data quarterly from all rootstock trials (Southern and Northern California). The data collection will be conducted in collaboration with other lab members.
• Conduct a field experiment aiming to test the efficacy of essential oils on controlling plant diseases in avocado growing at organic certified orchards in California.
• Conduct the statistical analyses of the field data. This task will be performed under the supervision of senior personnel.
• Assist lab members in all the activities related to the screening of avocado for resistance to pathogens and other stressors under laboratory and greenhouse conditions.

Minimum qualifications and requirements for this position.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or Master’s degree in Biology, Soil and Crop Science, Plant Protection, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, or related areas.
• Statistical analysis skills.
• Highly organized person that works independently and in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
• Possession of valid driver’s license. 
• This position requires travel outside of normal business hours and overnight travel (1-day to up to one-week trips) to different locations in California (Northern, Central Valley, and Southern). Travel and subsistence expenses will be covered by the program.
• Work outdoor in warm weather especially during hot summer months for data collection at the rootstock field trials.
• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working with tree crops.
• Experience conducting greenhouse and field experiments.
• Ability to drive Gator utility vehicles.
• Knowledge of using weather stations, GPS and satellite information, as well as sensor agriculture equipment and tools.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. 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.

How to Apply/Contact. The position is immediately available. Screening will start on July 31st, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is renewable for an additional year, depending upon performance. Candidates should apply directly to Dr. Patricia Manosalva by submitting a single PDF file containing: a cover letter indicating how you meet the minimum qualifications and skills, a curriculum vitae (CV), and contact information  for three references to patricia.manosalva@ucr.edu. The subject of the email should be “Junior Specialist Position.”

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.