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Assistant Professional Researcher, Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior
Psychiatry and Human Behavior / School of Medicine / UC IrvinePosition overview
Application Window
Open date:July 1, 2025
Most recent review date:Friday, Oct 17, 2025 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:Tuesday, Jun 30, 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 Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine is seeking an Assistant Researcher with extensive expertise in psychiatric genetics, pharmacogenomics, biomarkers, clinical/translational studies and patient diagnosis, as well as human postmortem studies. This position will support the translational research efforts within the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. The ideal candidate is looking for a position that will combine the opportunity to carry out independent research with support for ongoing research projects involving both clinical and post-mortem studies of neuropsychiatric disorders, specifically depression and suicide. In addition, the position will involve providing training and supervision to research assistants, undergraduate and graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. The successful candidate will be expected to be able to work independently, contribute to publications, and assist in grant applications. Step will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Appointments are based on performance and availability of funding.
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should apply through UC Irvine’s RECRUIT system located at https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09624
Applicants should complete an online application profile and upload the following application materials electronically to be considered for the position:
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Research
Contact Information for 3 – 4 References
Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Discrimination Declaration Form
Department: https://medschool.uci.edu/research/clinical-departments/psychiatry-human-behavior
Qualifications
• Ph.D. with relevant experience in psychiatry, genetics, molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, biostatistics, and pharmacology.
• Proven track record in independent and collaborative research, with a focus on neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Experience in grant writing and submission, preferably with knowledge of NIH RO1 applications.
• Strong communication skills and ability to mentor and train diverse research teams.
• Demonstrated publication record in reputable scientific journals.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research
Teaching Statement - See our .
(Optional)
About UC Irvine
The University of California, Irvine 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 covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy .
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.
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.
Job location
Freqently Asked Questions
This position at UC Irvine demands advanced expertise in psychiatric genetics and pharmacogenomics, offering opportunities for independent research and leadership in clinical and postmortem studies. Unlike standard assistant roles, it also involves mentoring students and contributing to grant proposals, blending hands-on research with academic development.
Key abilities include in-depth knowledge of neuropsychiatric disorders, proficiency in molecular biology and biostatistics, and experience with clinical diagnostics. Strong communication skills for mentoring and a demonstrated publication record are also vital to thrive in this research-focused role.
Daily tasks often encompass designing and executing translational research projects, analyzing clinical and postmortem data, training junior researchers, and preparing manuscripts or grant applications. The role balances independent investigation with collaborative efforts to advance understanding of depression and suicide.
Orange, CA, hosts a vibrant academic and medical research community, which increases competition for specialized roles like this. Candidates with a strong publication history and expertise in psychiatric genetics tend to stand out amid the growing number of applicants seeking positions within prestigious institutions like UC Irvine.
While a Ph.D. in related fields is paramount, familiarity with California’s research compliance standards and experience in NIH-funded projects can boost candidacy. Local emphasis on translational psychiatry and community-based study protocols may also influence preferred qualifications.
UC Irvine offers a collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge resources in psychiatric genetics and molecular biology. Researchers benefit from mentorship opportunities, grant writing support, and a strong interdisciplinary network, fostering both academic growth and impactful scientific contributions.
The position uniquely integrates clinical and postmortem neuropsychiatric research, allowing investigators to engage in diverse methodologies. UC Irvine’s commitment to translational science and extensive support for career advancement distinguishes it, enhancing research impact and professional development.
Salaries typically range from $70,000 to $95,000 annually for this role in Orange, CA, reflecting the specialized expertise required and local academic standards. Compensation may vary based on experience, publication record, and grant acquisition success within psychiatric genetics and clinical research domains.
UC Irvine strategically positions this role to advance its mission in innovative neuropsychiatric research, emphasizing translational studies that bridge lab discoveries with patient care. The researcher’s contributions help elevate the university’s profile and foster interdisciplinary collaborations across medicine and behavioral sciences.
The university’s emphasis on mentorship, grant support, and publication opportunities equips researchers to build influential careers. Exposure to diverse projects and leadership in training junior staff further develop skills essential for academic progression and thought leadership in psychiatry research.
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