Computational & Data Science Research Spec. 2 or 3 - 139471

University of California San Diego

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 88,000 - 124,000

Part time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Diverse work environment

Job summary

The University of California San Diego seeks a Computational & Data Science Research Specialist to advise on complex tech projects and contribute to cutting-edge AI research.

This role requires strong knowledge in AI systems, programming, and collaboration with faculty. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in Computer Science or Data Science and have experience in system design and user applications.

Position involves presenting research findings and may require occasional evenings or weekends.

Qualifications

2–5 years of experience in designing end-user applications.
Knowledge of scalable and distributed systems.
Ability to communicate technical details to a diverse audience.

Responsibilities

Advise on complex research and technology projects.
Contribute to the design of future AI systems.
Present research to management, faculty, and students.

Skills

Python programming

Cloud computing

Artificial Intelligence

Statistical methods and tools

Systems performance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Data Science

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

React programming

Databases and data systems

Job description

Payroll Title: CMPTL & DATA SCI RSH SPEC 3 RP

Department: CMPTR SCI & ENGNRNG

Hiring Pay Scale: $42.15 - $46.55/hour

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 75-100%

Union: RP Contract

Total Openings: 3

Work Schedule: Days, Variable, Mon. - Fri.

#139471 Computational & Data Science Research Spec. 2 or 3

Filing Deadline: Fri 6/5/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Please note that this position is a part‑time 75‑100% appointment.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 5/27/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department embodies the university’s tradition of excellence as a world‑class leader in computer science and engineering education and research. Ranked in the top 15 nationwide, the department is dedicated to research, education and overall excellence.

CSE has approximately 80+ faculty FTE, 20+ professional researchers, 50+ staff in career/casual titles, 150+ tutors, and 175+ TAs. There are over 1,700 undergraduate students enrolled in 3 majors, with annual enrollments of 25,000+. The department has a graduate education program with over 1,000 students (~350 PhD students and over 900 Master’s students).

The Laboratory of Emerging Intelligence (LEI) is created to design and deploy next‑generation AI (Artificial Intelligence) systems/platforms and is hosted by the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department. LEI will be the home for state‑of‑the‑art research and development in next‑generation AI systems and platforms.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the faculty director and in collaboration with AI faculty and the Department Chair, the incumbent will advise on and resolve complex research and technology projects/issues, present research and technical briefings to senior management, faculty and students. The incumbent will contribute to the research and technical direction in one or more technical specialties, and they will perform advanced research and technology development to contribute to the design of future AI systems. The incumbent may also represent the organization at national and international meetings, conferences and committees.

Occasional evenings, weekends and overtime may be required.

THIS POSITION WILL BE FILLED AT THE COMPUTATIONAL AND DATA SCIENCE RESEARCH SPECIALIST RP TITLE LEVEL 2 OR LEVEL 3, DEPENDING ON THE EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SELECTED CANDIDATE.

Hiring Range for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 2 RP, Title Code 005238, is $88,000 - $124,000/year
Hiring Range for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 3 RP, Title Code 005239, is $97,200 - $139,000/year

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPUTATIONAL AND DATA SCIENCE RESEARCH SPECIALIST LEVEL 2 RP

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Data Science or other fields with computer science or equivalent specialization. Demonstrated experience (typically 2–5 years exp.) in designing systems that enable end‑user applications is required.
Master’s degree or higher degree in Computer Science or Data Science or other fields with computer science or equivalent specialization or equivalent experience in research and development in the area of AI is preferred.
Working knowledge of applications programming and web development, databases and data systems, statistical methods and tools, and modern biology and applicable field of research.
Demonstrated working knowledge of one of the following: Scalable systems, distributed systems, or systems performance.
Strong knowledge of principles of modern system design and demonstrated experience associated with one or more of the following: AI system design, testing, evaluation, AI models, software development.
Strong knowledge of AI software and systems as well as AI models.
Knowledge of specific technologies including Python programming, cloud computing, interacting with commercial LLMs, and React programming.
Strong knowledge of best practices in software engineering, such as code reviews, source code control, unit tests, integration tests.
Exceptional ability to solve unusual or non‑standard algorithmic problems and strong knowledge of algorithms taught in modern CS curricula.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPUTATIONAL AND DATA SCIENCE RESEARCH SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 RP

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Data Science or related area with computer science experience and experience with designing systems that enable end‑user applications or equivalent specialization and/or experience/training.
Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or Data Science or related area with computer science experience or equivalent specialization or equivalent experience in research and development in the area of AI is preferred.
Demonstrated broad experience in one or more of the following: optimizing, benchmarking, HPC performance and power modeling, analyzing hardware, software, and applications for HPC / data / CI.
Experience with designing systems that enable end‑user applications.
Experience with research and technology in multiple aspects of creating software platforms and AI programming environments.
Intermediate knowledge of HPC / data science / CI. Demonstrated skills in Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning systems and software systems.
Advanced skills, and demonstrated experience associated with one or more of the following: HPC hardware and software power and performance analysis and research, design, modification, implementation and deployment of HPC or data science or CI applications and tools.
Experience with software and platform architecture/development, with relevant domain science knowledge where applicable, to design, develop and deliver the AI applications, platforms and systems.
Thorough experience working in a complex computing / data / CI environment encompassing all or some of the following: HPC, data science infrastructure and tools / software, and diverse domain science application base.
Proven ability to understand research computing / data / CI needs, mapping use cases to requirements and how systems / software / infrastructure can support those needs and meet the requirements. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement such solutions.

REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL 2 AND 3

Proven ability to successfully work on multiple concurrent projects.
Demonstrated experience and ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of staff; technical, students, faculty and administrators.
Demonstrated ability to regularly interface with management.
Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non‑technical personnel at various levels in the organization and to external research and education audiences.
Proven skills and experience in independently resolving broad computing / data / CI problems using introductory and/or intermediate principles.
Self‑motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to contribute research and technical content to grant proposals.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

FULL SALARY RANGE

Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 2 RP, Title Code 005238, is $88,000 - $124,000/year
Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 3 RP, Title Code 005239, is $97,200 - $182,000/year

PAY TRANSPARENCY ACT

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%).

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available.

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

Miscellaneous: Misconduct means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct include: