Associate Specialist

The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis is seeking a part-time Associate Specialist position in the Lowe-Power Lab. Under the supervision of Tiffany Lowe-Power, the Associate Specialist will support research activities related to molecular plant pathology of Ralstonia wilt pathogens. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Power and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment. The primary purpose of this position is to conduct research on the molecular mechanisms underlying host‑specific virulence within the IIB‑4 subclade of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex. The incumbent will contribute to experimental design, laboratory research activities, and data analysis supporting the research mission of the Lowe-Power Lab. Research in Specialized Areas (90% Effort) Overview: The Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) pathogens are regulated quarantine pests with negative impacts on agriculture and plant products. The primary purpose of this position is to conduct research on the molecular mechanisms underlying host‑specific virulence within the IIB‑4 subclade of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex. Major activities for the Specialist will include: Apply specialized skills in plant pathology to design and conduct sensitive wilt disease progress assays of RSSC IIB‑4 strains on tomato and other host plants, and to analyze and interpret resulting data. Apply specialized skills in R and computational pipelines to analyze large genomic and phenotypic datasets to identify candidate molecular determinants of host range and virulence. Apply specialized skills in molecular bacterial genetics and molecular biology, e.g. targeted mutagenesis and chromosomal integration‑based complementation to validate molecular mechanisms relating to host range, RNA analyses to assess gene expression. Maintain an organized laboratory notebook, develop publication‑quality figures with legends using Graphpad Prism and Affinity Designer software, and prepare a manuscript for publishing. Collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research and lab management activities. Professional Competence and Activity (5% Effort) Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies. Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in plant pathology and molecular bacteriology. University and Public Service (5% Effort) Participate in the mentoring of junior lab members in the Lowe-Power lab at UC Davis as appropriate. Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings. Contribute to departmental activities and seminars as appropriate. #J-18808-Ljbffr