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Jr. Specialist in Sustainable Agriculture
Position overview
Position title: Jr. SpecialistApplication Window
Open date: July 16, 2025
Next review date: Wednesday, Jul 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Aug 15, 2025 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 Garcia Lab in the Department of Life & Environmental Sciences at UC Merced is seeking a Junior Specialist in the areas of soil microbiology, biogeochemistry, and/or plant-microbe interactions. Responsibilities for this position include:
A. Collaborate with the PI and graduate students of the lab on research investigating the sustainable management and ecology of soils in agricultural and managed landscapes.
B. Assist with collecting soil and plant samples from field sites as well as sample processing and analysis in the laboratory.
C. Developing and refining laboratory protocols in collaboration with the PI and graduate students.
D. Organizing and archiving lab data and notes.
E. Assist with organizing and maintaining laboratory space, equipment, and sample archives.
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in life science, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, or a related discipline. The successful applicant must also have research experience in soil microbiology, biogeochemistry, plant-microbe interactions, or a related discipline.
Laboratory experience in soil science, plant science, or related disciplines is desired. Strong organizational and communication skills are also desired as well as experience in data analysis and scientific communications and publishing.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Authorization to Release Information Form - 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 or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
- 2 required (contact information only)
Help contact: snspersonnel@ucmerced.edu
About UC Merced
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 or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
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.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.