"Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist/s (2026) Organized Research Units (Multi) University of California, San Diego (UCSD)"

Position overview

Position title: Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $76,700-$201,900. The posted UC academic salary scales (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/2025-26-academic-salary-scales.html) set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/2025-26-academic-salary-scales.html

Application Window

Open date: March 1, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Mar 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Feb 28, 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 Office of Research and Innovation https://research.ucsd.edu/, at the University of California, San Diego, in support of the campus, multidisciplinary Organized Research Units (ORUs) https://research.ucsd.edu/ORU/index.html is conducting an open search for Project Scientists (non-tenured, Assistant, Associate or Full level) in various academic disciplines. Candidates will need to select their Specialization Unit at time of application. At UC San Diego, Project Scientists https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-311.pdf are academic researchers who are expected to make significant and creative contributions to a research team, but are not necessarily leaders of the research team.
They are not required to carry out independent research or develop an independent research reputation but will 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, and they do not have formal teaching responsibilities. Appointments and duration vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding.
This academic series is represented by the United Auto Workers of America (UAW) and information about the collective bargaining agreement is available on the UCOP website. https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/contract.html

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Doctorate degree or equivalent terminal degree in Engineering, Physics, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Biology, Computer Science, or any discipline related to the specialty/Unit applying for

Preferred qualifications

Postdoctoral experience

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Provide names and contact information only.

Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04450

Help contact: cdschumacher@ucsd.edu

Job location

La Jolla (San Diego), CA