Skip to main content

Assistant Project Scientist

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist
Salary range: See Table 37B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700 annually.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: April 15, 2026
Position duration: This position has a current end date of June 30, 2028

Application Window

Open date: February 9, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Feb 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Aug 3, 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 Sierra Nevada Research Institute (SNRI) at UC Merced (http://snri.ucmerced.edu) is seeking a full-time Assistant Project Scientist position to support the emerging UC Merced Earth Institute and its affiliated Centers through research, team development, co-production of knowledge, and engagement in focal areas, particularly fire resilience, sustainable energy, and nature-based climate solutions. The successful candidate will have a strong record of climate and environmental research and will help generate scientific communications related to climate information and research outcomes.

Depending on field of expertise, the successful candidate may identify management, technology uptake, and climate solution adoption barriers, and refine approaches to inform adaptive management of natural resources under variable and changing climate; they may also lead development, implementation, and evaluation of outreach related to resource management and climate communications. Activities may result in a synthesis of knowledge compiled into peer-reviewed publications.

The Assistant Project Scientist is expected to work with institute leadership in developing proposals for funding from federal, state agencies, and other funding organizations.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences or a relevant area

Preferred qualifications

The ideal candidate should have a strong publication record related to climate and environmental research; well-developed data analysis and/or modeling skills; and excellent written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and demonstrated success in research and/or research training grant acquisition.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • 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.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02050

Help contact: mstephens3@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.

Job location

Merced, CA