Project Scientist Series in Botany and Plant Sciences (Open Search)

The Department of Botany and Plant Sciences at the University of California, Riverside anticipates openings for appointments in the Project Scientist Series.

Project Scientists are expected to make significant and creative contributions to research or scholarly projects within their academic discipline. While they do not typically serve as principal investigators, they play a critical role in advancing research through their specialized expertise. In addition, Project Scientists may engage in University and public service.

Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field. Appointment and advancement in this series are based on professional achievements and the impact of their technical contributions to the respective research field.

Appointments may be made on a full-time, part-time, or without-salary basis. Initial appointments are typically for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The current base pay range for this position is $79,400 to $209,000.

Basic qualifications required at the time of application include an earned Ph.D. degree or its equivalent.

Preferred qualifications for this position include: Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field.

To apply, please submit the following materials by clicking Apply Here :

* Curriculum Vitae (required)
* Cover Letter (optional)
* Contact information for three references (required)

Review of applications will begin on August 4, 2026.

This is an open search intended to establish a pool of qualified candidates for potential appointments in the (Assistant, Associate, or Full) Project Scientist series within the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences. The recruitment will remain open throughout the academic year, and applications will be reviewed as opportunities arise. Submission of an application does not guarantee that a position is currently available or that an interview or appointment will be offered. Due to the volume of inquiries, we are unable to respond to individual questions about specific openings or application status. For general questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Rocio McFadden, Academic Personnel, at rocio.mcfadden@ucr.edu.

This position requires a Ph.D. degree or its equivalent.

Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field.

A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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 (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).

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 categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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.

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.

"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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.