Project Scientist Position 2026-2027

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - Irvine invites applications for Project Scientist positions in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering within the Samueli School of Engineering. These roles support labs and research opportunities for the 2026-2027 year.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related fields, with priority in Advanced Manufacturing, Materials Characterization, Biomaterials, Energy Materials, or Computational Modeling.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related field.
• Experience in the focus research areas listed above.
• Ability to work across multiple labs and with collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities across department labs.
• Contribute to proposals, publications, and reports.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students on projects.

Skills

Research experience

Experimental techniques

Computational modeling

Grant writing

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related field

Job description

Position Description

Salary range: $104,000–229,000.

The UCI Department of Materials 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.

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

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

Document 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)

Reference requirements:

• 3‑5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: 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.

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.

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