Project Scientist Position 2026-2027

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

The UC Irvine Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the Samueli School of Engineering is anticipating openings in the Project Scientist Series during the 2026-2027 academic year. These positions offer research and training across labs in the department. Ph.D.

in Materials Science and Engineering or related fields is required, with priority to specialties listed in the posting. Open to Assistant, Associate, or Full rank depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in the listed focus research areas in materials science and engineering.
• Candidates should demonstrate research capability across labs and be capable of independent work.
• Strong publication and reference letter potential is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Engage in research and training within department labs.
• Contribute to ongoing projects in multiple materials science focus areas.
• Prepare and present findings and progress to committees.

Skills

Advanced manufacturing

Materials characterization

Nanoscale materials

Computational approaches

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $104,000--229,000. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. [See Table]

Application Window

Open date: July 15, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Aug 14, 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 UCI Department of Material Science and Engineering in the 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.

Seeking qualified candidates with experience in the following engineering fields: Advanced and Additive Manufacturing; Advanced Materials Characterization; Biomaterials, Bioinspired and Self-Assembled Materials; Energy Materials and Sustainability; Materials for Structural Applications and Extreme Environments; Modeling, Theory and Computational Approaches to Materials Science and Engineering; Nanoscale and Functional Materials.

These positions require a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related fields, and experience in the focus research area(s) listed above. This position is open for Project Scientists at all ranks—Assistant, Associate, and Full rank determined based on experience.

This is an ongoing recruitment and positions are dependent upon availability of extramural funding. Initial appointments are short-term and renewal is based on job performance and availability of support. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and years of experience.

Application procedure: Applicants will need to upload curriculum vitae, name/addresses of at least three references, cover letter expressing area(s) of interest, statement of research, and inclusive statement to our online RECRUIT system.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application): Potential candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related fields. Priority consideration will be provided to those with a specialty in the following areas: Advanced and Additive Manufacturing; Advanced Materials Characterization; Biomaterials, Bioinspired and Self-Assembled Materials; Energy Materials and Sustainability; Materials for Structural Applications and Extreme Environments; Modeling, Theory and Computational Approaches to Materials Science and Engineering; Nanoscale and Functional Materials.

Application Requirements

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

• 3-5 references required (contact information only)

Apply

https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10327

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.

Job location

Irvine, CA