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Project Scientist, Open Ranks
University Of California - Irvine
Location : Irvine, CA, 92606
Job Type : Part Time
Salary : $74,700 - $198,300
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
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Project Scientist, Open Ranks
Physics and Astronomy / School of Physical Sciences / UC IrvinePosition overview
Application Window
Open date:July 1, 2025
Most recent review date:Sunday, Sep 28, 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 Physics and Astronomy anticipates openings for all levels of the Project Scientist series. Positions in the Project Scientist series must make original contributions to a research program under the direction of a Principal Investigator. Applications are being sought from Ph.D. graduates with backgrounds in:
• Plasma Physics
• Condensed Matter, or Biophysics
• Experimental Particle Physics
• Astrophysics, Astronomy, or Cosmology
Requirements: Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent in Physics or a related field. Applicants must have a proven record of research. Positions are dependent on extramural funding and the research contracts of individual Principal Investigators. Positions may be full or part-time. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedure: Please submit a brief letter describing your immediate and long-term research goals; curriculum vitae and bibliography; and names of three references (please do not solicit letters) via UC Irvine’s online application system, RECRUIT, located at https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF09732 .
Qualifications
Candidates should possess a Ph.D. or equivalent in Physics or a related field.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
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
Candidates with expertise in plasma physics, condensed matter, biophysics, experimental particle physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or cosmology are highly sought for Project Scientist roles at UC Irvine, ensuring research fits the department's focus areas and funding priorities.
Open ranks imply flexibility for hiring at junior to senior levels, allowing candidates to join as early-career postdocs or experienced researchers, which impacts salary, research independence, and potential leadership opportunities within UC Irvine's physics and astronomy departments.
Project Scientists primarily carry out original research projects aligned with their PI's goals, often involving experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration across physics subfields, requiring strong research output and adaptability to extramural funding cycles.
Salaries usually range between $70,000 and $120,000 annually for Project Scientists in the Irvine area, depending on experience, research funding, and rank; UC Irvine typically offers competitive pay aligned with the cost of living and academic standards.
Being part of a leading public institution like UC Irvine offers access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, but also requires adherence to public funding regulations, equal opportunity policies, and transparent hiring practices for Project Scientists.
UC Irvine’s reliance on extramural funding means Project Scientists must navigate fluctuating grant availability, balancing research innovation with funding acquisition pressures, while contributing to a competitive academic environment in Southern California.
Commuting times vary due to Southern California traffic congestion; living near Irvine or using public transit options can reduce commute stress, which is crucial for maintaining research productivity and work-life balance in this competitive academic role.
Irvine’s strong scientific community and UC system reputation create a competitive job market for Project Scientists, requiring applicants to demonstrate distinct research achievements and fit with departmental needs to secure positions.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics or related fields, backed by a demonstrated research record. Proven ability to contribute to funded projects and alignment with principal investigator interests is crucial for selection.
UC Irvine fosters career advancement through collaborative research opportunities, access to interdisciplinary projects, and encouragement of grant applications, helping Project Scientists to build their portfolios and transition into leadership roles.
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