Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc - Institute for Fundamental Science - Open Pool

University of Oregon; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Eugene, Oregon seeks qualified applicants for research roles including Research Assistants, Associates, and Postdoctoral Scholars. Successful candidates will conduct and manage diverse research projects under guidance, with a focus on physics and related fields. These positions are limited-duration and can be full-time or part-time, with the potential for extension. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute to an inclusive research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree for Research Assistant (Type B) positions.
• Master's degree for Research Assistant (Type C) positions.
• Terminal degree required for Research Associate or Postdoctoral Scholar.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research under supervision or independently.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Manage and analyze research data accurately.

Skills

Research activities

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's in Physics, Chemistry, Math, or Astronomy

Master's in Physics, Chemistry, Math, or Astronomy

Terminal degree in relevant field

Tools

Mathematical modeling tools

Data analysis techniques

Job description

Department:

Inst. for Fundamental Science

Rank:

Research Assistant, Research Associate, Postdoctoral Scholar

Annual Basis:

12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to a completed application, please submit

• A current CV - must highlight research area of interest
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Department Summary

The Institute for Fundamental Science (IFS) at the University of Oregon is the home for research whose primary aim is to understand, explore, and extend the fundamental laws of nature, with an emphasis on the consequences for observable phenomena. The IFS brings together the UO’s investigations in experimental and theoretical high energy particle physics, astrophysics and astronomy, and is complemented by a variety of inquiries into other foundational topics. More information about the Institute for Fundamental Science at the University of Oregon may be found by visiting the Institute's website at: http://ifs.uoregon.edu.

Position Summary

The Institute for Fundamental Science at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for its open research pool. Positions are limited‑duration, funding‑contingent research appointments that are full time, part time or short term, contracts not to exceed one year. There is a possibility of renewal up to a total of three years, depending on program needs, funding, and performance. The successful candidate will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Examples include research assistants, research associates, or postdoctoral scholars. Research assistants conduct research under the direction of a principal investigator; research associates conduct research with only general guidance; postdoctoral scholars conduct research under the direction of a faculty member for the purpose of acquiring research training.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE B): Positions require a bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Astronomy or related field. In rare occasions, positions in specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE C): Positions require a master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Astronomy or related field. In rare occasions, positions in highly specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and exceptional equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the master’s degree requirement.
• Ranks for each research assistant type in ascending order are senior research assistant I and senior research assistant II.
• Research Associate rank or Postdoctoral Scholar:
• Terminal degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Astronomy or related field.
• Professional experience conducting research in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Astronomy or related field.
• Senior Research Associate I rank:
• Terminal degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Astronomy or related field, plus 6 years of applicable work experience post‑degree.
• Senior Research Associate II rank:
• Terminal degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Astronomy or related field, plus 12 years of applicable work experience post‑degree.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to conduct research activities under appropriate supervision and follow established research protocols.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collect, manage, and analyze research data with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate for scholarly and research environments.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Ability to foster a professional, inclusive, and respectful research environment.
• Ability to comply with university policies, research compliance requirements, and applicable safety standards.
• Effective time‑management and organizational skills to meet project goals and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience in high energy particle physics, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematics, or closely related fields.
• Experience conducting experimental, theoretical, or computational research.
• Familiarity with mathematical modeling, data analysis techniques, or computational tools relevant to fundamental science research.
• Experience contributing to scholarly publications, preprints, technical reports, or conference presentations.
• Experience working in a collaborative or interdisciplinary research environment.
• For research associates or postdoctoral scholars: evidence of increasing independence in research activities.
• Experience supporting grant‑funded or contract‑funded research projects.
• Experience participating in research seminars, workshops, or professional scientific meetings.

Background Check

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Oregon is an equal‑opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

Discrimination Policy

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, familial status, citizenship, veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

Compliance Report

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.