Junior​/Assistant Specialist – Space Sciences Laboratory

Junior/Assistant Specialist – The Space Sciences Laboratory Position overview

Position title: Junior Specialist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step  the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position:
Salary Scale A reasonable estimate for these positions would be $85,700–$91,200 for a Junior Specialist and $98,900–$104,400 for an Assistant Specialist.

Percent time: 100

Anticipated start: Fall 2026

Position duration: Initial appointment is a one-year term; reappointment is dependent upon performance, programmatic need, and budget

Open date: August 25, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Sep 27, 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.

The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) at the University of California, Berkeley, seeks an Junior/Assistant Specialist to work on the Plume Ice Capture of Organics (PICO) project.

PICO is a sampler and microfluidic system for handling small aqueous samples in development for deployment on planetary exploration missions.

The main duties are performing bench tests on subsystem prototypes developed by SSL scientists and engineers. The work includes basic experiment design, performing tests, collecting and analyzing data, and compiling progress reports.

The Specialist/Assistant will participate in weekly team meetings and is expected to present summaries and discussion of experiment design and results. Early career development is encouraged with opportunities for participating in preparation of publications and presenting results at academic meetings. Additional duties involve assisting with part fabrication processes as directed by PICO engineers, including component sourcing, finishing, and cleaning. The assistant will participate in specialized tests, including environmental testing and fluidic performance evaluations.

Department: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

(required at time of application)

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) program

(required at time of start)

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• 1 year laboratory experience

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

• 3 required (contact information only)

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