Associate Researcher

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA is seeking an Associate Researcher to lead independent research on air pollution and stroke risk, with opportunities to design new studies and pursue extramural funding. The role includes supervising students and postdocs and contributing to manuscripts and grant proposals.

Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in Epidemiology with extensive research experience, including epidemiologic studies, and a track record in grants and public health service.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or similar required.
• Ph.D. in Environmental Epidemiology and a minimum of 10 years of experience in research and demonstrated experience in extramural grants and public health service.

Responsibilities

• Study design and large data processing of air pollution and wildfire data.
• Statistical analyses and literature review; manuscript and grant preparation.
• Supervision of graduate and undergraduate researchers, postdocs, and lab staff.
• Lead independent research projects and pursue extramural funding.
• Collaborate with PI and other scientists; communicate findings.

Education

Ph.D. or similar

Ph.D. in Environmental Epidemiology

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Associate Researcher

Salary range: $120,300 - $151,900

Review timeline: First review will 2 weeks from review date.

Open date: August 4, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Sep 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

Associate Researcher will perform independent research on air pollution and stroke risk (funded by the American Heart Association) as well as contribute scientifically to other air pollution (including wildfire smoke) related studies currently conducted in the department (funded by NIH and others) that are addressing pregnancy and child outcomes as well as neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an independent research portfolio that complements the laboratory's research program, including pursuing extramural funding as Principal Investigator and establishing collaborative research initiatives. The individual should be able to supervise graduate and undergraduate student researchers, postdocs and other junior lab members, and be willing to contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals by other lab members. This position requires a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and a minimum of 5 years of experience in related research and/or public health administration in this field. The Associate Researcher position is a non-Senate position for 12 months in the first instance. Step is commensurate with experience.

Salary range is $120,300 - $151,900

The collaborative research the applicant will be asked to contribute to focuses on the health effects of air pollution on the brain. The candidate will have the opportunity to design new studies based on existing data and resources and be responsible for all elements of data processing and complex statistical analyses, including longitudinal study designs. As the research program develops, the candidate will also be expected to initiate and lead independent research projects that complement and expand the laboratory's research portfolio.

Specific Responsibilities include:

Responsibilities of this position include study design, large data processing (such as multi-year air pollution and wildfire data), statistical analyses, and literature review and manuscript and grant preparation.

Additional Duties:

• Supervision of undergraduates, graduate students and new postdoctoral trainees in the lab.
• Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to work independently on scientific projects.
• Assist with preparation of grant proposals.
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
• Required to communicate well with other scientists and engage in collaborative projects.
• Candidate should have >5 years research experience in a research or academic setting or equivalent.
• Candidate should have extensive experience in epidemiologic studies.
• The candidate will report directly to the Principal Investigator and will successfully carry out data analyses with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to help and train various personnel in technical skills and make significant contributions to the design and execution of other epidemiologic studies in the PI's lab.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Ph.D. or similar

Preferred qualifications

Ph.D. in Environmental Epidemiology and a minimum of 10 years of experience in research and demonstrated experience in extramural grants and public health service.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research
• Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
• UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life‑saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
• The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
• Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
• Expand our reach as a global university
• Enhance our research and creative activities
• Elevate how we teach
• Become a more effective institution
• Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
• Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

References for serious candidates may be contacted.

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UCLA

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.

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 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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affidative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Los Angeles, CA