Open Positions - Specialist Series ITS 2026-27

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine’s Institute of Transportation Studies periodically hires Specialist appointees to support research funded by grants. Ranks range from Junior to Specialist, with selection based on qualifications and experience.

A strong civil engineering research background is preferred, and applicants should address inclusive excellence in their materials. Open date: October 27, 2026; final date: June 30, 2027; review date: November 11, 2026.

Qualifications

• Junior Specialist appointees should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience.
• Assistant Specialist appointees should possess a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.
• Associate Specialist appointees should possess a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.
• Specialist appointees to the full Specialist rank should possess a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Skills

Research experience

Education

Baccalaureate degree or equivalent

Master’s degree or equivalent

Terminal degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range:

The salary range for this position is $57,000 -$201,700. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table T24B Represented Specialist Series [REPRESENTED SPECIALIST SERIES SALARY SCALE]. “Off- scale salaries”, 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.

Application window

Open date:

October 27, 2026

Next review date:

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date:

Wednesday, Jun 30, 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

Specialist positions are occasionally available throughout the year in the Institute of Transportation Studies (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 civil engineering research experience strongly preferred. Positions are dependent upon extramural funding. Rank will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Term appointments are based on performance and availability of funding. Candidates are welcome to explain how they have contributed to inclusive excellence in their teaching, research, and service. The University of California remains fully committed to inclusive excellence and encourages applicants to address how their skills, expertise, and experiences might serve the varied communities of California. Please feel free to include information in any of your application materials relevant to your inclusive excellence work in research, teaching, and service.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Junior Specialist Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience.

Assistant Specialist Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Associate Specialist Appointees to the Associate rank should possess a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Specialist Appointees to the full Specialist rank should possess a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Reflective Teaching and Mentoring Statement - See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement . (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Aff

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

Irvine, CA