"Assistant Professor in Environmental Chemistry"

Assistant Professor in Environmental Chemistry

University of California Riverside

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Riverside invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor position in Environmental Chemistry to investigate the fate and transport of chemicals in soil and water, and to assess their effects on environmental health. This position will start on July 1, 2026. The faculty member is expected to conduct laboratory, field, and/or model-based research to understand chemical behavior, determine environmental risks, and develop sustainable mitigation strategies. While all areas of environmental chemistry will be considered, preference will be given to applicants with training and interests in legacy and emerging organic contaminants, particularly those with implications for agricultural soils and food-producing systems. Potential research areas may include the identification and analysis of emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS) and agrochemicals (e.g., pesticides) in environmental media, determining mechanisms of transformation and transport, and characterizing bioaccumulation and non-target exposure of such contaminants. Candidates should demonstrate the potential to support a research program in environmental chemistry through competitive funding sources from state and federal agencies or foundations.

Teaching: The faculty member is expected to contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology. The UC salary consists of a base pay of $80,800-$104,700 for Assistant Professors, with additional off-scale compensation commensurate with market value, qualifications, and experience. The off-scale portion of the salary will be maintained as long as satisfactory academic progress is made. Additionally, the off-scale will be maintained, subject to market adjustments to the UC salary scale.

Basic qualifications for this position that must be met by the application date include: a PhD in Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology, Soil Sciences, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field. Demonstrated excellence in job-specific skills, including teaching experience.

Preferred qualifications for this position include: Demonstration of potential for securing competitive funding at the federal level, and a strong track record of high-quality publications. Advancement through the Assistant ranks at the University of California, Riverside is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years.

To apply: submit Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Statement of Research, and Statement of Teaching to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02185. Review of applications will commence on January 1, 2026, and proceed until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Jiri Simunek, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Environmental Sciences, at Jiri.Simunek@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Mrs. Naudia Samuels Johnson, Academic Personnel, at naudia.samuelsjohnson@ucr.edu.

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 (HRSU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.