About UCD
The University of California, Davis (UCD), located in Davis, California, United States, is a premier public research university founded in 1905 as the University Farm, an agricultural extension of the University of California. It evolved into a general campus in 1959 and has since grown into one of the top public universities in the nation, enrolling over 39,000 students and employing thousands of faculty and staff. UCD's mission emphasizes teaching, research, and public service, with a strong focus on sustainability, health, and innovation. Key achievements include ranking among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report 2024), pioneering advancements in veterinary medicine, wine production, and climate research. The main campus spans 5,300 acres in the Sacramento Valley, with additional facilities like the Tahoe Environmental Research Center. UCD is home to renowned colleges such as the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Engineering. For more details, visit the UCD Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in Davis.
UCD's history is rooted in addressing real-world challenges, from agricultural innovations during the early 20th century to modern breakthroughs in biotechnology and renewable energy. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, including faculty like Charles Rice, who won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for hepatitis C research. With a diverse community and commitment to inclusivity, UCD fosters an environment where academics thrive. Job seekers can find professor positions at UCD in high-demand fields, while students benefit from top-tier education. For insights into academic careers at UCD, including research jobs at UCD, check out resources on Higher Ed Jobs.
The campus location in Davis offers a vibrant college town atmosphere with access to Sacramento and San Francisco, enhancing work-life balance for faculty. UCD's key departments, such as Biological Sciences and Environmental Science, lead in global rankings, contributing to its reputation for excellence. Whether you're interested in lecturer roles at UCD or faculty jobs at UCD, this institution provides unparalleled opportunities in higher education.
Faculty Job Opportunities at UCD
💼 Faculty job opportunities at UCD are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like agriculture, veterinary sciences, engineering, and biological sciences. As a top-tier research university, UCD frequently hires for roles such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Lecturer, and Research Fellow. According to 2024 job trends from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and UCD's career portal, there's growing demand for professor positions at UCD in STEM fields, with over 100 faculty openings annually. For instance, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences often seeks experts in sustainable farming, while the School of Medicine recruits for clinical research jobs at UCD. Salary ranges, based on UC system's 2023-2024 scales, start at approximately $78,200 for Assistant Professors in entry-level positions, rising to $196,100+ for full Professors in specialized departments like Veterinary Medicine. Factors influencing pay include experience, grant funding, and department prestige. UCD's location in Davis adds appeal with competitive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Explore higher education jobs at UCD through Higher Ed Jobs on AcademicJobs.com, where you can filter for remote higher ed jobs or adjunct professor jobs at UCD.
Recent trends show a surge in research jobs at UCD focused on climate resilience and biotechnology, with the university investing over $1 billion in research annually (UCD 2023 report). Lecturer roles at UCD in humanities and social sciences offer starting salaries around $60,000-$80,000, ideal for early-career academics. Community college jobs nearby can serve as stepping stones to UCD faculty positions. For those interested in administration jobs or executive roles, UCD provides paths in higher ed jobs like department chairs. Rate professors at UCD to gauge departmental culture via Rate My Professor. With UCD's emphasis on diversity, job seekers from underrepresented groups find supportive hiring practices. To apply, visit UCD's official site or AcademicJobs.com for tailored listings.
UCD academic opportunities extend to postdoc positions in labs like the Genome Center, where salaries average $55,000-$65,000. Job trends for 2025 predict increased hiring in AI and data science, aligning with national demands. Whether seeking faculty jobs at UCD or research assistant jobs, the university's resources, including the Research Jobs section, help navigate options. Salaries in UCD academia are competitive, often exceeding national averages due to California's cost of living adjustments.
Assistant Professor in Biology
Focus on genetics research; salary $90,000-$110,000.
Lecturer in Engineering
Teach undergrad courses; salary $70,000-$90,000.
Research Fellow in Veterinary Medicine
Animal health projects; salary $60,000-$80,000.
Associate Professor in Environmental Science
Climate studies; salary $110,000-$140,000.
Why Work at UCD
Working at UCD offers unparalleled benefits for academic careers at UCD, including access to cutting-edge research facilities and a collaborative environment. Faculty enjoy robust support for grants, with UCD securing over $900 million in funding in 2023 (UCD reports). Unique perks include the university's farm-to-fork initiatives and proximity to natural reserves for fieldwork. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and opportunities for interdisciplinary work. Compared to other institutions, UCD's emphasis on work-life balance, including family leave and wellness programs, makes it appealing. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
UCD stands out for its commitment to sustainability, ranking #1 in the world for veterinary science (QS Rankings 2024). Academics benefit from partnerships with industry leaders like Monsanto and NASA, enhancing research impact. The vibrant campus community in California fosters innovation, making it ideal for professor positions at UCD.
Salary Guide for Faculty at UCD
📊 The salary guide for faculty at UCD reflects the UC system's structured scales, updated for 2024-2025. Based on data from the University of California Office of the President and sources like Glassdoor, average salaries vary by rank, department, and experience. Assistant Professors earn $78,200-$101,400, influenced by fields like engineering (higher end) versus humanities (lower). Associate Professors range from $96,500-$121,600, with bonuses for research grants. Full Professors can expect $114,100-$196,100, especially in high-demand areas like medicine. Location in Davis adds a cost-of-living adjustment, making salaries competitive nationally. Factors include tenure status, publications, and funding; for example, STEM faculty often see 10-20% higher pay due to external grants. Compared to private universities, UCD offers stability with pensions. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
In 2025 trends, salaries in UCD academia are projected to rise 3-5% due to inflation and union negotiations (AAUP data). Lecturer roles at UCD average $60,000-$85,000, ideal for part-time or non-tenure track. Research positions, like postdocs, start at $55,000, scaling with experience. Benefits, including health coverage, add 30% to total compensation. Faculty in the School of Veterinary Medicine often top charts, with averages over $150,000 for associates. To optimize earnings, academics pursue grants from NSF or NIH, common at UCD. Explore faculty salaries at UCD further on AcademicJobs.com.
Department-specific insights: Agriculture professors earn $100,000-$160,000, while social sciences range $80,000-$130,000. Experience matters; mid-career faculty see 20% increases post-tenure. UCD's transparent scales ensure equity, with adjustments for diversity hires. For job seekers, understanding these ranges aids negotiations. Check Higher Ed Jobs for openings with salary info.
| Rank | Salary Range | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $78,200-$101,400 | Biological Sciences |
| Associate Professor | $96,500-$121,600 | Engineering |
| Full Professor | $114,100-$196,100 | Veterinary Medicine |
| Lecturer | $60,000-$85,000 | Humanities |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at UCD
⭐ Discover top educators at UCD through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where students and peers rate professors based on teaching quality, clarity, and helpfulness. This tool helps in choosing courses and recognizing excellence in academic careers at UCD. Ratings tie to programs like environmental science, where high scores reflect innovative teaching.
Dr. Walter Leal - Entomology
Rating: 4.8/5 - Expert in insect communication.
Dr. Karen McDonald - Chemical Engineering
Rating: 4.7/5 - Focuses on bioprocessing.
Dr. Jay Lund - Civil Engineering
Rating: 4.9/5 - Water resources specialist.
Dr. Louise Berben - Chemistry
Rating: 4.6/5 - Inorganic chemistry innovator.
Dr. Ermias Kebreab - Animal Science
Rating: 4.8/5 - Sustainable agriculture expert.
Dr. Susan Ustin - Environmental Science
Rating: 4.7/5 - Remote sensing pioneer.
Career Progression at UCD
Career progression at UCD follows a structured path, from postdoc to tenured professor, with salaries increasing by rank. Tenure-track roles emphasize research output, with UCD boasting high success rates (over 80% per internal data). Professional development includes workshops and funding. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
UCD's strengths in agriculture and health provide unique advancement, with many faculty securing NIH grants. Explore via Professor Jobs.
Research and Innovation at UCD
🔬 Research at UCD focuses on sustainability, biotech, and health, with centers like the Energy Institute leading in renewables. 2025 trends include AI in agriculture (UCD reports). Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with tech firms drive innovation, offering funding opportunities.
Resources for UCD Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via UCD's Center for Educational Effectiveness.
- Union support through University Council-AFT.
- Benefits include comprehensive health and retirement plans.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at UCD
Student life at UCD features diverse programs in STEM and arts, with strong career outcomes (90% employment rate post-grad). Use Rate My Professor for course selection.
Resources include advising centers and internships in Davis.
