Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist in Molecular Biology

Position overview

Position title: Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist in Molecular Biology

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $76,700 - $201,900.
The posted UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position (Salary Scale Represented: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf) (Salary Scale Non-represented: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t37-a.pdf)

Application Window

Open date: February 13, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Apr 1, 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: Saturday, Feb 13, 2027 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 Molecular Biology in the School of Biological Sciences is conducting an open search for a position in the Project Scientists series (non-tenured, Assistant, Associate or Full level). UC San Diego is seeking an experienced biologist in molecular biology or a related field to carry out both independent and collaborative research projects. Examples of research projects include but are not limited to: immune cell development, COVID-19, mammalian genome structure, antibody diversity, nuclear architecture, gene expression, virology, microbiology, microbial genetics, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and epigenetics.

This position is expected to make significant contributions to their research team and does not require independent research or develop an independent research reputation; however, this position is expected to publish and carry out research or creative programs with supervision by a member of the Professor or Professional Research series. University and public service are encouraged but not required. Appointments and duration vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding. The University of California, San Diego is committed to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff and student body and is seeking applicants for Project Scientist positions.

Under supervision of the Principal Investigators, the Project Scientists will function independently, and the role includes:

1. designing, managing and conducting experiments and research;
2. training students and others in the field of study;
3. leading and making innovative and significant contributions to lab project(s);
4. participating and presenting at scientific meetings;
5. writing scientific reports, manuscripts, grants for submission and/or publication.

The selected candidates will be a part of a highly collaborative environment with exposure to multiple scientific disciplines and levels of researchers, including students and clinicians.

Appointment will be at the Assistant, Associate or Full Project Scientist level based on background and years of experience.

A link to full description of the Project Scientist series is provided for your review: https://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/PPM/docs/230-311.html

School: https://biology.ucsd.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral experience in one or more of the following areas: cells assembly and function, multicellular organism development, protein degradation, nucleocytoplasmic transport, cell migration, gene expression, cell morphogenesis, or stem cell development and regeneration.
• Created or contributed to mentoring and research training that center the identities and experiences of students from minoritized communities in the sciences and/or have detailed plans to accomplish such goals

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Publication 1
• Publication 2
• Publication 3
• Publication 4 (Optional)
• Publication 5 (Optional)

Reference requirements
3-5 letters of reference required