Specialist (Assistant and Associate levels) in interdisciplinary biotechnology research

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Santa Barbara invites applications for Specialists at the Assistant or Associate ranks to contribute to the Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB). This pooled recruitment covers many disciplines and research foci, with ongoing screening through September 30, 2026.

Appointees will engage in specialized research and may work part-time to full-time. Open to Fall 2025 or later, the positions vary by department needs, with typical 1-year durations and potential

Qualifications

• Basic qualifications (required at time of application): Appointees to this series must possess a master's degree in a relevant discipline as listed in the position description at time of application.

Education

Master's degree in a related discipline

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Specialist (Assistant and Associate levels)

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position at 100% time is $64,100 - $90,300

Percent time: 5% - 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2025 or later

Position duration: Typically 1 year with possibility of extension, but could be less than 1 year due to restrictions on funding

Application Window

Open date: December 9, 2025

Most recent review date: Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 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 Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) is an Army-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The ICB is a uniquely interdisciplinary research alliance led by the University of California, Santa Barbara, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the California Institute of Technology, and partners from the Army and industry.

ICB research is driven by more than 50 premier faculty working together with graduate students, project scientists, specialists, and professional researchers as interdisciplinary teams of biologists, chemists, physicists, psychologists, physicians, social scientists, and engineers. These teams develop biologically inspired, revolutionary technological innovations in systems and synthetic biology, materials science and engineering, biotechnology tools and cognitive neuroscience.

The ICB is actively seeking Specialists (in the Assistant or Associate ranks) to commit effort on ICB projects. This is a large, pooled recruitment covering many disciplines and research foci. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed through September 30, 2026. The number of positions varies depending on the needs of the department. The use of a pooled recruitment does not guarantee that an open position exists at the time you are applying. Positions may range from part-time to full-time.

Appointees at the Assistant level enable research as part of a team and may provide some independent input into the planning and execution of the research. Appointees at the Associate level enable research as part of a team and normally provide considerable independent input into the planning and execution of the research. Appointees to the Specialist series engage in specialized research, professional activity, and University and/or public service. Specialists use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community.

The ICB has a vast research portfolio, indicated by (but not limited to) the following to projects and disciplines:

• Systems and synthetic biology
• Control and dynamical systems
• Photonic and electronic materials
• Electronic materials and devices
• Cellular structural materials
• Biotechnology and biotechnology tools
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Psychological and brain sciences
• Medical
• Biomedical
• Nanofluidics and microfluidics
• Biomimetics and biofilms
• Social media analysis and predictive modeling
• Molecular, cellular, ecosystems, marine science, and biology research
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Materials
• Computer Science
• Chemistry and biochemistry
• Microfabrication
• Nanofabrication
• Atomic force
• Microscopy
• Microfluidics
• Physics

The ICB has other pooled recruitments that may be of interest to potential applicants, including:

Junior Specialists

https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03008

Project Scientists

https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03010

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application): Appointees to this series must possess a master's degree in a relevant discipline as listed in the position description at time of application.

Preferred qualifications: Previous research experience in a relevant discipline as listed in the position description.

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

References for finalist(s) may be contacted by phone/email after interviews.

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Santa Barbara

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: Aff-…

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

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.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA