Assistant Professor in Plant Sciences, Phytonutrient Biochemistry

Department of Plant Sciences
Department of Viticulture and Enology
University of California, Davis

This position will be housed in the Department of Plant Sciences with the possibility of a joint appointment in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, if appropriate. A demonstrated capacity to conduct high quality research and ability to teach undergraduate and graduate students are requirements. The successful candidate's research will focus on understanding the biochemical pathways leading to the production and accumulation in plants and plant products of various compounds important for human health (phytonutrients) and using this information to enable fundamental human nutritional insights and to direct crop improvement. The range of potentially important phytonutrients for human health is quite broad and includes: polysaccharides; isoprenoids and their derivatives including carotenoids, vitamin E, and sesquiterpenes; phenylpropanoids including flavonoids, isoflavanoids and other polyphenolics; and various bio-active alkaloids and peptides. This position is an integral part of the UC Davis campus-wide initiative on Foods for Health and the successful candidate will be expected to operate well in a multi-disciplinary team focused on the development of a comprehensive program that covers the entire continuum of food production, consumption and individualized health. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute expertise in phytonutrient biochemistry to undergraduate and graduate courses and may develop a general education course in Plants and Human Health. The candidate will collaborate with other scientists at UC Davis, Cooperative Extension specialists, farm advisors and researchers from other universities and agencies to address the mission of the College. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in departmental, College, and Division committees and with state, regional and national organizations that address issues of food and health.

A Ph.D. and postdoctoral research experience in plant biochemistry or a related field is required and specific experience in studying the biosynthesis and/or human nutritional impact of phytonutrients is desirable. The position will be at the Assistant Professor level, and will be an academic year (9 month) tenure track position; a fiscal-year term appointment (11 months) will be offered and continued based on academic personnel review. To apply candidates should begin the application process by registering online at http://plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/newfacultypositions/ Please include statements of research and teaching interests, curriculum vitae, publication list, copies of 3 of your most important research publications, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if within 5 years of either degree), and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least five professional references. For technical or administrative questions regarding the application process please email plantsciences@ucdavis.edu.

Form inquiries regarding the position please contact Dr. Alan Bennett, Chair of the search committee (abbennett@ucdavis.edu). Review of the applications will begin March 15, 2007. The position will remain open until filled

Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2007. UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities.