About this opportunity
University of California - Davis lists this Lab Research Supervisor (LAB RSCH SUPV 2) opportunity in davis, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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Job ID
89025
Location
Davis
Full/Part Time
Full Time
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Job Summary
This position reports to the director of Foundation Plant Services (FPS). Responsibilities include direct supervision and training of laboratory staff; lead staff meetings; provide staff with equipment and training as needed; plan and conduct research to improve therapy and tissue culture methods; plan and schedule laboratory activities to ensure completion of therapy to facilitate release of plant material; work closely with director of production and quality assurance to meet goals for micropropagation deliverables; establish both short-term and long-range project goals and planning for their implementation.
Apply By Date October 6, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
Master's degree or equivalent training and experience in Plant Biology, Plant Physiology, Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, or a closely related field.
3 years laboratory experience in plant tissue culture techniques-including microshoot tip excision for pathogen elimination, sterile technique, media formulation, and micropropagation.
Experience conducting applied research to design, optimize, or troubleshoot in vitro propagation and therapeutic protocols, as well as developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new or challenging plant materials.
Management experience in a research or high-throughput production laboratory, including directly supervising personnel, setting operational schedules, allocating resources to fulfill work orders, and evaluating staff performance.
Working knowledge of plant biology, plant physiology, and scientific methods, with the ability to interpret data, design experiments, and evaluate tissue culture and micropropagation success.
Demonstrated skills in performing and applying tissue culture technologies, maintaining sterile conditions, following and adapting laboratory protocols, tracking data/inventory using computer software, and complying with lab safety and hazardous material standards.
Leadership and communication skills to organize daily lab work, assign tasks, prioritize schedules to meet production goals, and effectively supervise and lead laboratory staff and students.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Plant Physiology, Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology, or related area; and specialized research experience in plant tissue culture, somatic embryogenesis, and/or invitro virus elimination/therapy.
Experience developing, optimizing, and scaling tissue culture protocols in clonal crops, with preferred expertise in shoot-tip/meristem culture, micropropagation, and somatic embryogenesis.
Experience managing a high-throughput, commercial-scale micropropagation facility or a clean stock lab, including experience with in vitro pathogen elimination and virus therapy programs.
Demonstrated track record of leading applied research projects, adapting novel protocols for complex plant species, publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and preparing research proposals or technical reports.
Advanced knowledge of plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and scientific methodology, with proven skills in statistical data analysis, experimental design, and evaluating tissue culture efficiency, somatic embryogenesis, and propagation success.
Solid skills in establishing, troubleshooting, and executing complex tissue culture and micropropagation workflows under strict sterile and safety guidelines, alongside strong capabilities in drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), managing lab equipment/facilities, and utilizing database software to track high-throughput inventory and work orders.
Strong interpersonal and supervisory communication skills to direct all levels of laboratory staff, prioritize concurrent operational demands, organize daily lab activities, and present clear scientific and production reports to management, staff, and collaborators.
Key Responsibilities
40% - Laboratory Program Management
35% - Research and Protocol Development
25% - Administrative Management and Supervision
Department Overview
Foundation Plant Services (FPS), is a self-supporting center in CAES whose primary function is to produce, maintain, and distribute virus-tested plant materials of deciduous fruit and nut trees, grapevines, strawberries, sweet potatoes and roses for research and public commercial use.
This position directs the overall operation of the FPS Tissue Culture Lab and Micropropagation Unit, which conducts virus elimination therapy and micropropagation. Additional responsibilities include research to improve virus elimination methods and to develop new protocols for additional crops. Research activities include preparing reports, manuscripts, and presentations as needed.
POSITION INFORMATION
Salary or Pay Range: $79 , 400 /annually - $144 , 00 0/annually
Salary Frequency: Annually
UC Job Title: LAB RSCH SUPV 2
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100 % - Fixed
Shift (Work Schedule): Mon day -Fri day, 8:0 0 a m -5:00 PM
Location: Davis, CA.
Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Occasionally work flexible hours, especially working after normal working hours to finish the assigned task. Able to travel out of town occasionally, as needed for training and project activities. Must follow all established laboratory safety procedures.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: doc/ /Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.