Assistant Project Scientist - University OF California Pavement Research Center

Position Overview

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their academic discipline. The appointee possesses subject matter expertise and creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. The appointee may engage in university and public service, but does not have teaching responsibilities.

The Project Scientist is expected to work independently under general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program. The appointee will carry out research programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may by exception in accordance with university policy.

USD 97, per year. Off‑scale salaries may be offered to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Open date:
April 29, 2026

Next review date:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time

Final date:
Monday, Apr 19, 2027 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time (applications after this date will be considered only if the position remains unfilled)

• Research activity (70%):
  Make significant, original, and creative contributions to research projects as part of the UC Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
• Plan, direct, guide, coordinate, supervise, and carry out research in all aspects, including project work plans, experimental design, laboratory and field testing, data analysis, model development, simulation, and reporting.
• Write and edit project technical memoranda, research reports, and guidelines.
• Participate in technical conferences, symposiums, seminars, expert task groups, and meetings to present research findings.
• Participate in technology and research scanning activities to identify results, methods, procedures, equipment, materials, and other pavement technology related to the Pavement Research Center program and projects.
• Serve as Project Manager for field and laboratory testing programs, assisting the Principal Investigator with experimental design, preparation of test plans, supervising laboratory testing operations, training and mentoring students and research engineers, supervising quality of data, data processing and analysis, development and characterization of pavement materials, and forensic investigations of field test sections.

• Publication (15%):
  Publish research in peer‑reviewed journals and national and international conferences independently or collaboratively.

• Grant Acquisition (5%):
  Help write proposals to acquire additional funding, including local, national, and international research projects, from agencies such as Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Science Foundation, and other relevant sources.

• Participate in professional societies, including membership on committees, educational organizations, and conferences appropriate to the field of pavement engineering, construction materials characterization, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable transportation.
• Serve as a reviewer of research proposals, reports, journal manuscripts, technical presentations, professional publications, and other scientific publications related to the applicant's expertise.
• Attend seminars, meetings, and educational functions to present research results and give oral presentations to public and professional groups.

• Engage in public outreach activities, including presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing advice to individuals and public agencies.
• Guest lecturing, committee service, and supporting the development of research skills of Pavement Research Center staff engineers, graduate student researchers, and undergraduate student assistants.
• Liaise and communicate with local, state, and federal transportation and industry organizations on issues…