Recruit
Project Scientist Series UCI ITS 2025-26
Institute of Transportation Studies / Institutes and Centers / UC IrvinePosition overview
Application Window
Open date:August 1, 2025
Most recent review date:Saturday, Aug 16, 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
Project Scientist positions are occasionally available throughout the year in the Institute for Transportation Student (UCI ITS) at the University of California, Irvine. These are typically grant‐funded positions under the sponsorship of various faculty members. The ideal candidate should be self-driven and motivated, with a PhD in transportation or a transportation-related field (e.g., Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Economics, Computer Science, Operations Research, etc.) and experience strongly preferred. Positions are dependent upon extramural funding. Rank will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Appointments are based on performance and availability of funding.
Qualifications
The candidate for a title in this series must have earned a doctorate, or its equivalent.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research (Optional)
Reflective Teaching and Mentoring 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.
Job location
Freqently Asked Questions
Project Scientist Series UCI ITS positions often lead to expanded research leadership opportunities in transportation studies. Candidates with strong backgrounds can progress to managing larger grant-funded projects or faculty collaborations, leveraging expertise in urban planning, civil engineering, or computer science to influence transportation innovations.
Success hinges on a doctoral degree in transportation-related fields combined with self-motivation and grant experience. Proficiency in interdisciplinary research methods, data analysis, and familiarity with transportation systems enhances a candidate’s ability to secure extramural funding and contribute effectively to UCI ITS projects.
Typical daily tasks include designing research protocols, coordinating with faculty sponsors, analyzing transportation datasets, and drafting grant proposals. The role demands balancing independent research with team collaboration to advance projects aligned with UCI ITS’s transportation objectives.
Irvine's growing emphasis on sustainable urban development has spurred demand for transportation research experts. Universities like UC Irvine are increasingly funding projects aimed at smart mobility solutions, making Project Scientist roles highly competitive but rewarding for candidates specializing in interdisciplinary approaches.
Irvine offers a balanced lifestyle with manageable commutes and access to outdoor activities, which supports mental well-being important for research-intensive roles. The area’s cost of living is moderate relative to other California tech hubs, influencing salary expectations and daily routines for Project Scientists.
UC Irvine’s ITS emphasizes grant-funded, faculty-collaborative projects with a strong interdisciplinary lens. This role uniquely blends transportation research with applied science, fostering innovation in urban planning and engineering, supported by a vibrant academic ecosystem unmatched by many peer institutions.
The university offers extensive grant writing resources, mentorship from experienced faculty, and networking within transportation research consortia. This infrastructure helps Project Scientists at UCI ITS successfully navigate funding landscapes, enhancing project continuity and academic impact.
Salaries for Project Scientist roles at UC Irvine generally range between $85,000 and $115,000 annually, reflecting regional academic funding norms. While slightly lower than San Francisco or Los Angeles, this compensation aligns well with Irvine’s cost of living and academic job market dynamics.
Advanced skills in data analytics, experience with federal grant applications, and interdisciplinary collaboration boost prospects. Candidates demonstrating published research in transportation journals or proficiency in urban systems modeling stand out in this competitive academic environment.
Positions increasingly incorporate computational modeling, machine learning, and optimization techniques to address transportation challenges. This synergy attracts candidates who blend civil engineering and computer science expertise, reflecting UCI ITS’s commitment to innovation in smart mobility solutions.
Find The Related Jobs
University Of Washington School Of Public Health
Assistant Project Scientist
Oakland, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
El Cerrito, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
Oakland, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
Canyon, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
Moraga, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
San Lorenzo, CA