Observational Air-Sea Interactions - Assistant Professor

UC San Diego Academic Jobs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,800 - 139,100; Full time

Job summary

A major research institution is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Observational Air-Sea Interactions. The position requires developing a strong research program, mentoring students, and engaging in community service. Candidates must have a PhD in a related field and show potential for impactful research and teaching. This role is ideal for individuals with expertise in observational approaches and a commitment to academic excellence.

Qualifications

• Earned a doctorate (PhD) by appointment time.
• Proven record of publication and service.
• Strong potential to secure funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong extramurally supported research program.
• Contribute to teaching and mentoring at graduate and undergraduate levels.
• Engage in service within SIO and UC San Diego.

Skills

Research program development

Teaching and mentoring

Data science

Interdisciplinary engagement

Education

PhD in Physical Oceanography, Atmospheric Science or related discipline

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Professor - Academic Year

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $119,300-$139,100. The posted UC Academic salary scales set the minimum pay as determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the salary scale(s) for this position: salary scales. The base salary range, from the salary table(s), for this position is $80,800-$104,700. “Off‑scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Additional UCSD salary information can be found here: UCSD compensation.

Application Window

Open date: February 19, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Mar 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date: Monday, Feb 15, 2027 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 Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO, https://scripps.ucsd.edu) at the University of California San Diego invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professorship in Observational Air–Sea Interactions. We seek a motivated, broad‑thinking scientist and educator to establish a vigorous research program and provide intellectual leadership in their field while complementing existing expertise at SIO and other UC San Diego departments. SIO is a premier institution for oceanographic, atmospheric, biological, and solid Earth research with approximately 200 principal investigators and extensive research facilities (research facilities). We strive for interdisciplinary engagement and rigorous data science. UC San Diego is committed to academic excellence within its faculty, staff, and student body and we are interested in candidates who are committed to upholding UCSD’s Principles of Community (UCSD Principles of Community).

We Seek Outstanding Candidates Pursuing Innovative Research Activities In Ocean‑Atmosphere Interactions, With a Preference For Candidates With Expertise In Observational Approaches. The Successful Candidate Is Expected:

• to develop a strong extramurally supported research program;
• to contribute to teaching, mentoring, and advising for the Climate - Ocean - Atmosphere Program (graduate students) and for the Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences major (undergraduates);
• to engage in service within SIO and UC San Diego.

At the time of appointment, applicants are required to have earned a doctorate (PhD or equivalent) in Physical Oceanography, Atmospheric Science or a related discipline. Preferred candidates will have a competitive record of publication and service, and evidence of ability or strong potential to secure extramural funding and to conduct an active research program while contributing to impactful undergraduate and graduate teaching. Candidates are encouraged to highlight how they anticipate integrating UC San Diego’s Principles of Community in their research, teaching, and service.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants are required to have a PhD in Physical Oceanography, Atmospheric Science or a related discipline OR to be enrolled in a PhD program in Physical Oceanography, Atmospheric Science or a related discipline, with an expected graduation date no later than July 1, 2026.

Application Requirements

Document Requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching

Reference Requirements

• 3 letters of reference required

Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04464

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC San Diego

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 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 prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university‑controlled properties.

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH

UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Job location

La Jolla, CA