Project Scientist Series in Physics and Astronomy (Open Search)

Position overview
Position title: Assistant, Associate, and Full Project Scientists

Salary range: $76,700 to $201,900
Application Window

Open date:
February 20, 2026

Most recent review date: Friday, Mar 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications
received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date:
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received
after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description


The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Riverside anticipates
openings for appointments in the Project Scientist Series.
Project Scientists are expected to make significant and creative
contributions to research or scholarly projects within their academic discipline. While they do not typically serve as principal
investigators, they play a critical role in advancing research through their specialized expertise. In addition, Project Scientists may
engage in University and public service.
Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work
experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field. Appointment and advancement in this series are
based on professional achievements and the impact of their technical contributions to the respective research field.
Appointments may be
made on a full-time, part-time, or without-salary basis. Initial appointments are typically for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The current base pay range for this position is $76,700 to $201,900.

Basic qualifications required at the time of application include an earned Ph.D. degree or its equivalent.
Preferred qualifications for
this position include: Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g.,
postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field.
To apply, please submit the following materials to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02223 :

• Curriculum Vitae
  (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Contact information for three references (required)

Review of applications
will begin on 03/06/2026.

For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Ashleigh Bennett, Academic
Personnel, at ashleigh.bennett@ucr.edu .


Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

This position requires a Ph.D. degree or its equivalent.

Preferred
qualifications
Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency,
extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field.


Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most
  recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Misc. /Additional (Optional)

Reference
requirements

• 3 letters of reference required

Please provide the contact information
for a minimum of three references. A UC Recruit system generated email will be sent to all of your references requesting their letter of
recommendation. The confidential reference letters will be part of your application.
Apply link:
https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02223

Help
contact: ashleigb@ucr.edu
About UC Riverside


The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally
diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of
Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both
advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and
Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for
candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful
faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).

The University of California is an
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state
or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent
with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable
University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government
directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are
subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any
misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of
employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of
harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the
vendor that administers this process for the campus.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please
visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the
University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.


For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

Job location


Riverside, CA

UCR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer with a commitment to workforce diversity.