What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist/s (2026) Organized Research Unit position at UC San Diego?
Open date: March 1, 2026
Most recent review date: Monday, Mar 16, 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: 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.
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
Division: https://research.ucsd.edu/ORU/index.html
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
Postdoctoral experience
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Statement of Research
Statement of Teaching (Optional)
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Provide names and contact information only.
Help contact: oru-academic@ucsd.edu
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.
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As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
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* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]
* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Salary : $76,700 - $201,900