"Assistant Project Scientist - Yaghi Lab/Department of Chemistry"

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf
The current base salary range for this position is $76,700 -$97,600. 'Off-scale' salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: March 2026

Position duration: Initial two year appointment with possible reappointment dependent on performance, project needs, and budget

Application Window

Open date: January 5, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Feb 5, 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 Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley seeks an Assistant Project Scientist to join the Omar Yaghi Lab, a world-leading group in reticular chemistry and the development of crystalline porous materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to high-impact publications and collaborations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative research projects on the design, synthesis, and structural characterization of MOFs, COFs, and related materials.
• Explore functional applications including gas storage, molecular separations, catalysis, and photochemical processes.
• Develop and optimize synthetic methodologies and advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and microscopy.
• Mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers, guiding experimental design, technical skill development, and professional growth.
• Coordinate multi-group and interdisciplinary collaborations within and beyond the lab.
• Prepare manuscripts, presentations, grant materials, and intellectual property disclosures.
• Contribute to lab management, training programs, and overall scientific leadership in the Yaghi Lab.

This role is ideal for a highly motivated scientist seeking to advance the frontiers of functional materials, lead innovative research programs, and play a central role in mentoring and scientific leadership at a world-class research institution.

Lab: https://yaghi.berkeley.edu/

Department: https://chemistry.berkeley.edu/chem

Union contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
2 years or more of postdoctoral equivalent experience

Preferred qualifications

• PhD or equivalent international degree in Chemistry with strong expertise in synthetic and structural chemistry
• Expertise in reticular chemistry and MOF/COF synthesis, single-crystal characterization, PXRD, SXRD, TEM, solid-state NMR, FTIR, and gas adsorption analysis
• Proven ability to lead independent research projects and mentor researchers at multiple career stages
• Strong communication skills, including writing, presentations, and collaborative interactions.
• Experience with advanced materials characterization techniques is highly desirable

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05226

Help contact: k.mao@berkeley.edu

Job location
Berkeley, CA