Junior Research Specialist in Pollination Biology at UC Davis A full-time, two-year field and lab research position working on pollination and native plant restoration for pollinators in Neal Williams’ lab at UC Davis.
Pay scale: $2,806 monthly / $33,672 annual; eligible for health benefits Closing date: open until filled Anticipated Start date: December, 2012 (flexible Late November 2012 - January 2013) Duration: Two- year position renewable upon review of first season. Time allocation: 100% Location: Davis, CA** Review of applications will begin Nov 14 and continue until the position is filled. Position Description: A full-time two-year field and lab research position working on pollination and native plant restoration for pollinators is available in the Neal Williams lab at UC Davis. *The successful applicant will assist with a series of collaborative research projects on pollination of selected crops by native and managed bees, identification of native plant materials to support wild and managed bee populations, and habitat restoration to provide nesting and floral resources for pollinators within agricultural landscapes.** *Responsibilities will include comparing pollinator quality between managed and wild bee taxa in a controlled field context, helping with* *establishment and maintenance of wildflower restoration plots on farms, and monitoring bee use of floral and nesting resources within restoration plots. The position provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills in pollination biology, native plant restoration, bee biology, sustainable agriculture and conservation outreach. Our lab is part of vibrant Ecology and Entomology groups at UC Davis. The position is funded by a grant from USDA and continuation of the position is dependent on job performance.** Project description: We are initiating a multi-year project targeting pollinator biodiversity and pollination services in agricultural landscapes. Our overall goal is to promote sustainable pollination through integrated pollination strategies with wild and managed bee populations. The program blends research on cultivation of native plants, monitoring of bees’ use of forage, and monitoring of bee nesting. Minimum Qualifications/ requirements: - Bachelors degree in biological sciences (Ecology, entomology, plant biology/botany is especially useful) - Previous experience in pollination biology, entomology and/or field ecology, conservation biology - Flexibility to work at various hours of day and week to support experimental requirements (e.g., evenings, weekends). - Attention to detail (will be collecting and working with original data from multiple projects) - Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others - Previous field experience (preferably with plants and native bees) - Basic computer skills (Word, Excel) - Valid driver’s license - Ability to work in the field under hot sunny conditions for long hours Additional Qualifications: - Knowledge of California Flora - Knowledge of and facility with ArcGIS Application materials: Please send the following materials to Kimiora Ward at (ucdbees123[at] gmail.com): cover letter briefly detailing your interest in the position, CV, list of 3 references, with full contact information, who are familiar with your scholarship, research ability, experience and potential.
