Project Scientist in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering seeks candidates for the Project Scientist Series across the 2026-2027 cycle. Openings provide a stimulating array of research and training opportunities within the department's labs, with appointments contingent on extramural funding.

A PhD or its equivalent is required. These positions are open to Assistant, Associate, and Full rank based on experience, with reviews starting in September 2026 and continuing through June 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD or its equivalent required.
• Strong laboratory research background and specialized training anticipated.

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $100,400 - $229,000. See Tables

Application Window

Open date: September 7, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Sep 25, 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

The UCI Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering is anticipating openings in the Project Scientist Series throughout the academic year 2026-2027. These positions offer a stimulating array of research and training opportunities within the various labs in the department. Requirements: Applications are being sought for candidates with strong laboratory research backgrounds and specialized training.

Candidates must have a PhD or its equivalent.

This is an on-going recruitment. Positions are dependent upon extramural funding. This position is open for Project Scientists at all ranks—Assistant, Associate, and Full rank determined based on experience.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Candidates must have PhD or its equivalent.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Teaching 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: Affiantive 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