Discover University of California, San Diego Jobs, where innovation meets opportunity in a world-class research environment. As a leading public university in San Diego, California, UCSD offers unparalleled academic careers in fields like biotechnology, oceanography, and engineering. Whether you're seeking professor positions at University of California, San Diego or exploring lecturer roles, our platform connects you with higher education jobs tailored to your expertise. Dive into salary insights, with assistant professors earning $90,000–$120,000 annually, and full professors up to $200,000+, based on recent data. Rate professors at University of California, San Diego through Rate My Professor to guide your choices. AcademicJobs.com provides comprehensive resources for faculty jobs at University of California, San Diego, including research trends in AI and climate science. Join a community driving global impact—start your search for academic opportunities today and unlock rewarding careers in academia. Explore more at Higher Ed Jobs filtered by University of California, San Diego, or check Professor Salaries for detailed comparisons. With a focus on academic careers at University of California, San Diego, this page highlights job trends, salaries in University of California, San Diego academia, and rate professors at University of California, San Diego features.
About University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), founded in 1960, is a premier public research university located in La Jolla, San Diego, California, United States. Originally established as an extension of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD has grown into a powerhouse with over 40,000 students and a strong emphasis on STEM fields. Its mission is to advance knowledge through excellence in education, research, and public service, fostering innovation that addresses global challenges. Key achievements include multiple Nobel Prize winners, such as in chemistry and physics, and leadership in biotechnology and climate research. UCSD boasts campuses in La Jolla, with facilities like the Geisel Library and the Price Center, and is part of the prestigious University of California system. The university excels in departments like the Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Medicine, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. For more details, visit the University of California, San Diego Website. Explore academic jobs in the region via Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, or Academic Jobs in San Diego. UCSD's history of groundbreaking research, including contributions to supercomputing and genomics, makes it a hub for academic opportunities. The university's coastal location inspires marine science advancements, with over $1.6 billion in annual research funding. Students and faculty benefit from collaborations with nearby institutions like the Salk Institute. UCSD ranks among the top public universities globally, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and diverse community. Whether you're interested in professor positions at University of California, San Diego or research jobs, this institution offers a vibrant environment for growth.
UCSD's commitment to inclusivity and sustainability is evident in initiatives like the Center for Energy Research and diversity programs. The university has produced alumni like astronauts, CEOs, and Pulitzer winners, underscoring its impact on higher education jobs at University of California, San Diego. For those exploring academic careers at University of California, San Diego, the campus provides state-of-the-art labs and interdisciplinary programs. Discover more about lecturer roles at University of California, San Diego and rate professors at University of California, San Diego through linked resources.
Faculty Job Opportunities at University of California, San Diego
Faculty job opportunities at University of California, San Diego are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like computer science, bioengineering, and environmental sciences. Based on 2025 trends, UCSD is expanding in AI, data science, and sustainable technologies, with roles such as Assistant Professor in Machine Learning or Research Fellow in Oceanography. The Jacobs School of Engineering frequently hires for professor positions at University of California, San Diego, while the School of Medicine seeks clinical lecturers. Salary ranges, per recent data from sources like the UC Salary Scales and Glassdoor, start at $90,000–$120,000 for assistant professors, $110,000–$150,000 for associates, and $150,000–$250,000 for full professors, influenced by department and grants. These figures reflect California's high cost of living adjustments. Explore higher education jobs at University of California, San Diego via Higher Ed Jobs filtered by UCSD. Academic careers at University of California, San Diego often include tenure-track paths with research funding from NSF and NIH. For instance, faculty in the Division of Biological Sciences enjoy collaborative environments. Lecturer roles at University of California, San Diego focus on undergraduate teaching, with opportunities in general education. Research jobs at University of California, San Diego are booming in biotech hubs like the San Diego area. To apply, check Faculty Jobs. UCSD's job market emphasizes diversity, with initiatives for underrepresented groups. Salaries in University of California, San Diego academia are competitive, often supplemented by housing allowances. For more on faculty jobs at University of California, San Diego, visit Higher Ed Jobs. Trends show growth in interdisciplinary roles, like climate resilience experts. Rate professors at University of California, San Diego on Rate My Professor to inform your career choices. With over 1,500 faculty members, UCSD offers dynamic academic opportunities.
Assistant Professor in Engineering 💼
Entry-level tenure-track role with salaries $90k–$120k. Focus on innovation at Jacobs School.
Lecturer in Biological Sciences 🎓
Teaching-focused position, $80k–$110k, in high-demand departments.
Research Fellow in Oceanography 🔬
Postdoc opportunities, $60k–$90k, at Scripps Institution.
Associate Professor in Medicine
Mid-level role, $110k–$150k, with clinical duties.
Why Work at University of California, San Diego
Working at University of California, San Diego offers a blend of cutting-edge research, collaborative culture, and scenic coastal living. As a top-ranked institution, UCSD provides academic careers with access to world-class facilities and funding exceeding $1.6 billion annually. Faculty enjoy interdisciplinary opportunities, such as in the Qualcomm Institute for innovation in tech. Benefits include comprehensive health plans, retirement options, and professional development through the Center for Faculty Diversity. Unique perks like on-campus housing assistance and proximity to biotech industries make it ideal for research jobs at University of California, San Diego. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and global collaborations. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice. UCSD's emphasis on work-life balance, with programs like wellness initiatives, enhances the appeal. Notable for its entrepreneurial ecosystem, faculty often spin off startups. Salaries in University of California, San Diego academia are competitive, supporting a high quality of life in San Diego.
Salary Guide for Faculty at University of California, San Diego
The salary guide for faculty at University of California, San Diego reflects its status as a research-intensive university. Based on 2025 data from UC Salary Transparency reports and sites like Salary.com, average salaries vary by rank and department. Assistant professors earn $90,000–$120,000, associates $110,000–$150,000, and full professors $150,000–$250,000 or more, especially in high-demand fields like engineering and medicine. Factors include experience, publication record, grants, and location in costly San Diego. For example, in the School of Medicine, salaries can exceed $200,000 with clinical bonuses. Compared to national averages, UCSD offers 10-15% higher pay due to state adjustments. Visit Professor Salaries for more. Additional perks like summer stipends boost earnings. In humanities, ranges are lower at $80,000–$140,000, while STEM sees premiums. Tenure impacts pay, with post-tenure increases. For detailed breakdowns, check University Salaries. This guide helps in negotiating offers for faculty jobs at University of California, San Diego.
| Rank | Salary Range 📊 | Department Example | 
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $90k–$120k | Engineering | 
| Associate Professor | $110k–$150k | Medicine | 
| Full Professor | $150k–$250k | Oceanography | 
| Lecturer | $80k–$110k | Biological Sciences | 
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at University of California, San Diego
Discover top educators at University of California, San Diego using Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. Ratings help students choose courses and recognize excellence in programs like engineering and sciences. Share your experiences to guide others.
Dr. Roger Tsien - Chemistry
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Nobel laureate known for engaging lectures.
Dr. Lisa Levin - Oceanography
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Expert in marine ecology with inspiring research focus.
Dr. Yuanyuan Zhou - Computer Science
Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐ - Innovative in AI, highly rated for clarity.
Dr. Don Cleveland - Medicine
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ - Leader in neuroscience with practical teaching.
Dr. Susan Ackerman - Biology
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Engaging in genetics courses.
Career Progression at University of California, San Diego
Career progression at University of California, San Diego follows a structured path from postdoc to tenured professor, with salaries increasing by rank. Assistant professors start at $90k–$120k, advancing to associate ($110k–$150k) after 5-7 years, then full professor ($150k+). Tenure-track emphasizes research output, with funding from sources like NIH. Professional development includes mentoring programs. Strengths in biotech offer unique paths. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at University of California, San Diego
Research at University of California, San Diego focuses on AI, climate change, and biomedicine, with centers like the San Diego Supercomputer Center. Trends include sustainable energy and genomics, supported by $1.6B funding. Collaborations with industry drive innovation. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for University of California, San Diego Academics
- Professional development via Faculty Success Program 🎓
- Union support through University Council-AFT
- Benefits including health insurance and retirement
- Research grants from internal funds
Student Life and Perspectives at University of California, San Diego
Student life at University of California, San Diego features vibrant programs in STEM, with career outcomes in tech and research. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career centers and internships.

