The Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology at the University of California, Riverside invites  applicants for a full-time Postdoctoral Associate position to conduct basic/applied research on  fungal/bacterial diseases for the Fatemeh Khodadadi Lab in Riverside, CA. This position will start late  November or early December.  

Job Description. The purpose of this position is to conduct a wide range of basic and applied research on  the main fungal and bacterial pathogens causing diseases on subtropical trees including but not limited to citrus, avocado and grapes in California. The successful candidate will primarily focus on characterization,  molecular detection and identification of pathogens using qPCR and Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR),  molecular interaction between plant-pathogen, plant-vector, and pathogen-vector, fungicide sensitivity and  efficacy assays and trials in the laboratory and field and disease control/management methods on a broad  range of fungal and bacterial diseases including but not limited to citrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB)  diseases, Phytophthora root-rot of avocado, Botryosphaeria species associated with Branch Canker and  Dieback of Avocado, causal agents of anthracnose disease etc.  
This position entails laboratory and greenhouse/field work. The appointee will analyze large datasets, write  progress reports, write grants and publications in a timely manner and present research findings in  professional meetings and scientific conferences. The postdoc will work in a team that includes other  postdocs, assistants, national and international collaborators, graduate, and undergraduate students. This is  a 1-year renewable position and contingent on performance and funding. 

Minimum qualifications: 
• A Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or related areas.  • Highly motivated candidates with an interest in using molecular biology techniques to the study of  plant-fungi/bacteria interactions are encouraged to apply. 

• Demonstrated skill and practical experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid  extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR, Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), primer and probe designing, plasmid  design and assembly, gene cloning, and/or genetic transformation) 

• Extensive experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA- and RNA-based techniques)  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-fungi/bacteria molecular interactions.  • Experience with genetic transformation in plant and/or fungi and bacteria.  

• 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

• Demonstrated experience in applied research and work experience in greenhouse assays and field trials.

How to Apply/Contact: The position could commence in late November or early December 2022. Screening will start from November 10st 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. Fatemeh Khodadadi via email to fatemeh.khodadadi@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 “Fungal/Bacterial Plant Interaction 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 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. 

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. 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 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 Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of California invites applicants for a Junior Specialist I position [full-time] in molecular biology techniques to conduct applied research for the Degnan Lab in Riverside, CA.  This position will ideally start on October 17th, 2023. The purpose of this position is RNA extraction, cloning, and sequencing for the Degnan laboratory. The final candidate will possess specialized skills in basic molecular biology techniques. The position also requires the ability to work independently and interpret and implement new techniques and their analyses in collaboration with the PI and/or other Hansen lab members. 

Required qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include: baccalaureate degree in molecular biology/ biology/ microbiology (or equivalent degree) and training and experience in molecular biology techniques. Also the individual must be highly organized and can wors independently and in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred qualifications for this position include: RNA/DNA extractions, PCR, cloning, 5’ RACE, and bioinformatics experience.

To apply: submit a c.v./resume with contact information for 2-3 professional references to patrick.degnan@ucr.edu.    Position is available immediately; we plan to hire by October 2023.
For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to October 1st, 2023.

Advancement through the Specialist position ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years.

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.  

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. 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 Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of California invites applicants for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist in Fungi-plant interaction to conduct applied research for the Hailing Jin Lab in Riverside, CA. This position will start on 8/1/23. The purpose of this position is to conduct research on Intercellular and Intracellular RNA Trafficking and Cross-kingdom RNA communication. Experience in extracellular vesicles from plants and fungal pathogens are highly desired. The final candidate will be responsible for performing all the experiments planned for the projects. A reasonable estimate for this position is $68,400 - $87,000.

Required qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include: Ph.D. in Biology.

Preferred qualifications for this position include: Experience in extracellular vesicles and sRNA profiling and imaging is highly preferred.

Additional qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of hire include: The candidate should have extensive experience on RNA biology and plant-microbial interaction.

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 your CV and Statement of Diversity to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01718. Review of applications will commence on 7/1/23, and proceed until position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Hailing Jin, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, at hailingj@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Melissa Resendez, Academic Personnel, at melissa.resendez@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 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.

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. 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 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.

The Khodadadi lab 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 and applied activities of plant fungal and bacterial pathogens. We are  open to hiring at multiple levels of experience: therefore, applicants with either a bachelor’s or  Master’s are welcome to apply. The specialist will be responsible for 1) working with the lab team  and leadership to run tests, analyze results, and report on data findings 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 lab/field experiments with fungal and  bacterial cultures 7) performing DNA extractions from cultures, soils, and roots and performing  PCR and qPCR for bacteria and fungi 11) performing basic bioinformatics associated with  amplicon sequencing, and 12) keeping the lab neat and organized. 

Required qualifications at time of application for this position include:  
• Bachelor’s, or master’s degree in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology,  biotecgnology, or related field is required. 
• Experience as a lab assistant, or relevant experience in a lab environment • Fluent in oral and written English 
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record  
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently 
• Able to work self-sufficiently or as an active member of a team 
• Robust computer skills; Microsoft Office Suite or similar software 
• Must be comfortable working with hazardous materials and must comply with all health and  safety regulations 
• Able to work evening hours, weekends, and extended shifts if needed 
• 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 and bacteria or desire to learn about these organisms is a plus. 

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 Dr. Fatemeh Khodadadi at fatemeh.khodadadi@ucr.edu.  
The position could commence as early as December 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 November 10, 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. Fatemeh Khodadadi, Chair of the  Search Committee, Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, at  fatemeh.khodadadi@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. 

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