Senior Research Associate (SRA4) - 142050

UC San Diego/UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA4) to advance plasma diagnostic developments across multiple projects. The role requires independent planning and execution of advanced diagnostics, coordinating with collaborators locally and remotely, and contributing novel methodological ideas.

You will mentor graduate and postdoctoral researchers, draft manuscripts, assist in grant writing, and participate in lab operations.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects and coordinate with collaborators.
• Conceive, plan and conduct advanced diagnostics for research projects.
• Author or co-author scientific manuscripts and contribute to grant writing.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students and postdocs; present findings in meetings and conferences.
• Support lab operations and administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Publications

Mentorship

Scientific programming

Statistics

Data management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, Engineering, or related field

PhD in related field preferred

Job description

Payroll Title: SRA 4

Department: CNTR ENERGY RESEARCH

Hiring Pay Scale: $100,116.26 - $119,671.94 / YR

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Limited Appointment

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: RX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, 8:00am - 4:30pm , Mon. - Fri.

#142050 Senior Research Associate (SRA4)

Filing Deadline: Tue 11/17/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

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).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California 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 status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact [e-mail] for consideration of your particular circumstances.