Research Associate for Small Grain Breeding

This Research Professional position will be part of the Small Grain Breeding and Research Lab at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This position is funded by the USDA-NIFA Hatch Capacity Grant and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Research Associate will play a crucial role in the development of double haploid (DH) plants for barley and wheat through established techniques, including microspore culture. The individual will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to improve DH production methods and contribute to research to improve cereal grain breeding. The position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage research and laboratory operations. This position will also include data quality control and data processing. This position will interface with stakeholders at the UAF and non-UAF staff/faculty/students. Applicants must be legally eligible for unrestricted employment to work in the U.S. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record because the applicant will be driving UAF vehicles.

The Small Grain Breeding and Research Program in the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension (IANRE) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is seeking a Research Professional to support our work in developing double haploid (DH) plants for barley and wheat. The successful candidate will spend 80% of the time preparing culture media, developing DH plants through microspore culture and other established techniques, and collaborating with the Principal Investigator and scientists to improve DH production methods. The remaining 20% of their time will be dedicated to managing lab equipment and overseeing laboratory operations. This role is essential for advancing our research goals in small grain breeding and innovation.

The IANRE is dedicated to advancing agricultural research, natural resource management, and community outreach across Alaska. Through its programs, IANRE promotes sustainable agricultural practices, innovative research in plant and animal sciences, and effective stewardship of natural resources. In partnership with Alaska communities, the institute provides extension services, education, and research-based solutions to address the unique challenges of the state's diverse environments and agricultural systems.

To thrive in this role, the applicants should possess (1) hands-on experience in plant tissue culture, especially with techniques like microspore culture or other methods used for double haploid production, (2) familiarity with sterile techniques, media preparation and plant regeneration processes from cultured cells or tissues, (3) proficiency in collecting and managing experimental data, (4) competence in operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory equipment, particularly those used in tissue culture, plant propagation, and genetic analysis, (5) ability to manage lab supplies and inventory, ensuring smooth lab operations and (6) willingness to explore and implement new techniques or improvements to existing DH production methods.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in a field relevant to the research (e.g. science, math, business, plant science, biology) or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Minimum of 1 to 2 years experience in plant tissue culture techniques with a focus on double haploid production.

A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

Two years of experience in a field relevant to the research is preferred.
A Master’s degree is preferred.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a full-time, term-funded, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.

Applications will be accepted for review on October 23, 2024, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE October 22, 2024.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office Assistant HR Manager at kjmetivier@alaska.edu or 907-474-1847

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.