Assistant Project Scientist - Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist - FY (Non-Senate) Salary range: A reasonable salary estimate for this position is $76,700. The posted UC academic salary scales, https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.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/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Application Window

Open date: December 4, 2025
Most recent review date: Monday, Jan 5, 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: Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 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 Astronomy & Astrophysics within the School of Physical Sciences at UC San Diego is conducting an open search for Project Scientist (non-tenured, Assistant level) in the field of theoretical planet formation and exoplanet science to join Professor Eve Lee's group.

At UC San Diego, Project Scientists 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. Project Scientists may not serve as a Principal Investigator but may serve as Co-Principal Investigators with members of the Professor or Research Scientist series. University and public service are encouraged but not required, and they do not have formal teaching responsibilities. Appointment durations vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD in Astronomy, Physics or related field.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Proficiency in numerical methods in hydrodynamics.
Preferred qualifications
Preference given to candidates with experience with Athena ++, FARGO3D or GIZMO.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

• 3-5 letters of reference required

3 Reference Letters

Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04379

Help contact: cmaldonadorodas@ucsd.edu