Senior Research Associate (SRA4) - 142050

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Senior Research Associate to develop plasma diagnostic methods across multiple projects and coordinate efforts with collaborators at partner institutions. The role includes independent conception, planning, and execution of advanced diagnostics, informed by literature reviews and recent advances in related fields.

The incumbent will author or co-author peer- reviewed papers, contribute to grant proposals, and supervise graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering or related field (PhD preferred).
• Proven ability to disseminate scientific information with publications and presentations.
• Experience with high voltage systems, pulsed power drivers and Class IV laser systems.
• Knowledge of plasma imaging diagnostics and analysis methods.
• Broad computer skills, including scientific programming and data management.

Responsibilities

• Develop plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects and coordinate research with collaborators.
• Independently plan, execute, and improve advanced diagnostics; design key experiments.
• Contribute to journal manuscripts and grant writing; mentor students and postdocs.
• Present findings at lab meetings and conferences; some administrative duties.
• Occasional travel for experiments at partner institutions.

Skills

Plasma imaging diagnostics

Scientific programming languages

Statistics

Data management

Task prioritization

Peer-reviewed publications

Mentorship

Excellent communication

Planning experimental design

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering or closely related field

PhD in related field preferred

Job description

This is a 100% Limited position for 1 year with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status.

DESCRIPTION

The Senior Research Associate (SRA4) will develop the plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects, and coordinate research efforts with other collaborators both within and outside the laboratory. Independently conceive, plan, and conduct advance diagnostics for research projects based on reviews of scientific literature and recent advances in related fields, organizing and executing all techniques involved. Contribute novel ideas of major methodological significance to the research projects, design key experiments, and develop new techniques.

Author or co-author scientific journal manuscripts and contribute to grant writing. Direct and advise the work of graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral scholars to enable them to successfully participate in laboratory projects, as well as present their findings at lab meetings and conferences. Contribute to functions necessary for the regular functioning of the lab, including some administrative and maintenance tasks. Performs other duties as assigned.

The incumbent may occasionally also visit and assist in experiments on pulsed power experiments at Cornell University, the University of Michigan or Sandia National Laboratories

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in physics, Engineering, or a closely related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. PhD in related field preferred.

• Proven ability to disseminate scientific information, including multiple publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and presentation at international scientific conferences.

• Experience with high voltage systems, pulsed power drivers and Class IV laser systems.

• Demonstrated extensive knowledge of plasma imaging diagnostics and analysis methods or a closely related field.

• Broad computer skills and experience, including fluency in scientific programming languages, strong knowledge of statistics and ability to execute complex statistical analyses with complex datasets, ability to work with and generate data formats, and extensive experience with the management of complex databases.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks.

• Ability to co-author peer-reviewed articles in Plasma Physics or a closely related field.

• Extensive knowledge and ability to discuss the scientific literature related to research on Plasma Physics.

• Demonstrated commitment to mentorship, supporting the professional and scientific development of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other junior colleagues in a research environment.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proven ability to serve as lead-author of multiple high-quality peer-reviewed publications and deliver high-quality professional presentations of research findings.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Must be willing and able to travel.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $82,140 - $132,198 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $39.34 - $63.31

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).