Professional Researcher in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 282,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine is seeking candidates for a Professional Researcher position at the Assistant, Associate, and full ranks for the 2026-2027 academic year. A PhD or equivalent and a strong lab research background with publication record are required.

Salary range is $128,600 - $281,600, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications will be reviewed in sequence as open dates approach; initial appointments are for one year with renewal based on funding and need.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent.

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range

A reasonable estimate for this position is $128,600 - $281,600. See Tables

Application Window

Open date: September 7, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Sep 25, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

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

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace at the University of California, Irvine, anticipates openings for a Professional Researcher at the Assistant, Associate, and full rank throughout the academic year 2026-2027.

Applications are sought from candidates with a PhD or equivalent, having a strong lab research background, publication record, and specialized training in mechanical and aerospace engineering or related fields.

This is an ongoing recruitment. Positions and part-time positions are dependent upon extramural funding and need. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Initial appointments are for one year and renewal is based on availability of support and need.

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement (one page or less) - describe prior experience, future goals, and address how you believe you can contribute to the overall research direction.
• 3-5 References (Contact Information Only)
• Cover Letter

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

PhD or equivalent.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research - Describe prior experience, future goals, and address how you believe you can contribute to the overall research direction.

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: Affinity Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment .

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