We are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and dynamic scientist to fill a Postdoctoral Researcher position in agronomy at the University of California, Davis (UCD) to work on a newly funded project evaluating agave production in California.
The incumbent will work within a collaborative group of scientists and faculty from the Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E), Foundation Plant Services, and potentially the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. The incumbent will also work closely with government agencies and local stakeholders, particularly agave growers in California to evaluate production practices aimed to maximize yield from harvested pinas.
Efforts of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be directed towards evaluating irrigation management strategies, various plant materials suitable for growth in this region, and harvesting/extraction techniques that maximize sugar yields for this crop. Efforts will require communication with researchers and growers in other predominant North American growing regions and comparison of climatic conditions best suited for various plant materials. Dependent on the incumbent's training and experience, efforts could also focus on plant nutritional physiology.
Responsibilities:
90%
o Characterize and quantify agave growing conditions and plant attributes (e.g., gas exchange physiology of CAM vs C3) over time by using existing plantings to analyze annual growth and differential carbohydrate storage. o Characterize and quantify genetic diversity agaves on several sites, including viral load and pest pressures over time. o Determine impact of irrigation to maximize sugar production and enhance maturity per unit applied water on a range of existing plantings of agave species on various sites. o Record harvest results and create an initial database to share with industry. o Incorporate plant material into Foundation Plant Services to help ensure clean nursery stock for California growers o Identify gaps in knowledge for future research, including sensitivity to regional soil conditions, e.g., disease pressures and composition. o Develop and refine irrigation and nutrient management to grow agave more effectively and enhance agave sugar yield in California. o Prepare manuscripts for publication. o Coordinate project group meetings with stakeholders from government, academic, extension, agricultural, tech, and private sectors. o Present results at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals
UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States. Since we first opened in 1908, we’ve been known for standout academics, sustainability and Aggie Pride as well as valuing the Northern California lifestyle. These themes are woven into our 100-plus-year history and our reputation for solving problems related to food, health, the environment and society.Our 5,300-acre campus is in the city of Davis, a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in Yolo County. The state capital is 20 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive.