Associate Specialist

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,300-$82,000

Application Window

Open date: August 24, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 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

The laboratory of Dr. Sundaresan wishes to employ an Associate Specialist, 100% time, to work on projects related to the zygotic transition and synthetic apomixis. The Associate Specialist will work directly with the lab PI on


a. Research in Specialized Areas (85 %): This position requires creative contributions to an active research program to design and implement improved strategies for synthetic apomixis. The successful candidate will help to determine research goals for defined projects in regular consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she will design and spearhead specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques and to document and organize the

results in preparation of scientific publications or grant proposals. He/she will develop methods in epigenomics that are tailored to the study of plant reproduction. Active participation in the writing and editing of scientific papers is expected. The candidate will assist interns and undergraduate students regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods for identification of epigenetic marks in ultra-low input samples, molecular cloning of target genes, CRISPR gene editing, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results, planning follow-up experiments, and laboratory inventory and organization. Experience in isolation and epigenetic profiling of rare cell types, computational analysis of genome-wide epigenetic marks, CRISPR gene editing, gene expression assays using Agrobacterium inoculation and injection into plants, general greenhouse/growth chamber experience with a variety of plants including Arabidopsis and rice, and a strong work ethic are expected.

b. Professional Competence & Activity (5%): The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to the weekly lab meeting and will present to that same forum an average of 3 to 4 times a year on their research progress. The candidate will attend seminars, participate in reviews of manuscripts, and present significant new results from their research at scientific conferences.


c. University and Public Service (10 %): The candidate is expected to contribute to the smooth operation of the laboratory and the maintenance of shared equipment, to the training of new researchers to use specific pieces of equipment such as fluorescence microscopes, and assist when needed with other types of training such as lab safety. They will also engage in public outreach activities that can include presenting scientific research summaries and explanations on the lab website, and live presentation aimed at audiences ranging from the lay public to high school and undergraduate students. Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Qualified applicants must have a Ph.D. degree, or Master's degree plus two to five years' research experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus six to ten years of research experience, in the fields of plant genetics, plant development and genomics.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Experience in working with reproductive structures in plants.

Demonstrated high skills in genome-wide epigenetic profiling with ultra-low inputs.

Demonstrated high skills in genome-editing technologies using CRISPR and related methods.

Demonstrated high skills in generation and analysis of transcriptomic data Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Experience with isolation of plant gametes, using affinity-purification or nuclear sorting

Familiarity with synthetic apomixis technology. Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Recently updated C.V. containing 1 to 2 pages of qualifications and achievements + a list of publications with full titles, authors and links to the online papers.

• 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.

• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

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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: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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.

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Job location
Davis, CA