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

Position overview

Position title: Assistant, Associate, or Full Research Scientist

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $93,400-$270,000. 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.

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 Affairs (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 Research Scientists (non-tenured, Assistant, Associate or Full level) (https://ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-310.pdf) in various academic disciplines. At UC San Diego, Research Scientists are non-tenured, extramurally funded, academic researchers who develop and lead independent research and creative programs similar to Ladder Rank Professors. Research Scientists are expected to serve as Principal Investigators on extramural grants, generate high caliber publications and research products, engage in university and public service, continuously demonstrate independent and creative research activity of high quality and significance, and garner scholarly reputation.

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)

Department: https://research.ucsd.edu/ORU/index.html

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Doctorate degree related to specific specialization needs of the research unit.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide contact information only for 3 references.