If you are interested in conducting applied research to solve agricultural challenges in greenhouse and nursery grown crops you are in the right place! Our research focuses on developing and improving sustainable solutions for disease control of fungal and oomycetes.  We investigate the biology, ecology, population genetics, community ecology and develop diagnostics tools to better understand these organisms.  We are currently hiring a Post-Doctoral scholar and a Junior Specialist (B.S. level).

The Del Castillo lab is recruiting a Post-Doctoral scholar to start on Spring 2024.  We are seeking qualified applicants to work on the following areas of research:

  • Molecular detection of fungal/oomycete plant pathogens (qPCR, RPA).
  • Characterization of fungal and oomycete populations associated to greenhouse and nursery California crops: i.e. pathogenicity, fungicide resistance, population structure.
  • Evaluate effect of best management practices on fungal and oomycete community composition.
  • Disease diagnostics of greenhouse and nursery grown crops.

The incumbent will have the opportunity to interact with growers, present at extension and scientific meetings, diagnose diseases of ornamental crops and develop molecular based tools for pathogen quantification.  The Postdoc will also assist with activities related to lab management, training and supervision of other lab staff and stakeholders, and greenhouse trials.

One year position with potential for renewal based on performance in Dr. Johanna Del Castillo, Greenhouse and nursery pathology lab, at UC Davis (main campus).

The incumbent must have previous experience working with oomycete/fungal pathogens, implementing molecular tools for pathogen identification (qPCR, PCR), conducting greenhouse experiments, writing research papers and working independently.  No experience needed working with fungicides, disease diagnostics.

Looking for applicants interested in disease diagnostics and management, who would like to develop skills working with diverse fungal/oomycete pathogens in greenhouse production settings, molecular pathogen quantification methods, applied and collaborative research with growers, collaborators, grant writing and extension.

Start date: May  2024

Application deadline: March 1, 2024

This position includes a starting annual salary of $64,500-$66,000.

To apply: submit statement of interest (max 2 pg.) and CV to Johanna Del Castillo jdelcastillo@ucdavis.edu

Email jdelcastillo@.ucdavis.edu to discuss further opportunities in our lab.

 

Junior Specialist hire:

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 with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. 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 in the link https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06320.