Recruit
Jr. Specialist in Chemical & Materials Engineering
Position overview
Position title: Jr. SpecialistApplication Window
Open date: January 7, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Jan 7, 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
Professor Jennifer Lu in Chemical and Materials Engineering is looking for a junior specialist to assist with the following:
• Perform electroplating of redox centers and related experiments, along
with material characterization.
• Analyze experimental results, review relevant literature, and collaborate
with Dr. Lu to refine and improve synthesis procedures.
• Attend and actively participate in regular weekly meetings with Dr. Lu.
• Maintain laboratory instruments and ensure full compliance with
laboratory safety protocols.
Qualifications
- A bachelors degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in organic synthesis and polymer synthesis.
- Familiarity with material characterization techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal analysis).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience maintaining potentiostat equipment.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Authorization to Release Information Form - 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.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Help contact: aday5@ucmerced.edu
About UC Merced
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.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
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. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.