Assistant Project Scientist - Pavement Research Center; UCDAVIS

Position Overview

The Project Scientist contributes significant and creative work to research or creative projects in civil engineering, focusing on pavement science. The role involves high-level competence in research, technical work, and project management, but does not include teaching responsibilities. The Project Scientist will work independently under the guidance of a faculty PI and may serve as a Project Manager for laboratory and field testing programs.

The position has no requirement to develop an independent research program or reputation.

Salary range: $97,000 - $124,300, with the possibility of off‑scale salaries where necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

1) Research (90%)

• Research Activity (70%) – Design, plan, supervise, and conduct research including experiment design, laboratory and field testing, data analysis, model development, simulation, and reporting. Write technical memoranda, research reports, and guidelines, and present findings at conferences, seminars, and professional meetings.
• Publication (15%) – Publish original research in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.
• Grant Acquisition (5%) – Assist in writing proposals and resource development for funding from state and federal agencies and industry.

2) Professional Competence and Activity (5%) – Participate in professional societies, serve as reviewer, attend seminars, and provide oral presentations to public and professional groups.

3) University and Public Service (5%) – Engage in public outreach, guest lecturing, committee service, support staff research development, liaison and communication with external agencies, and participate in university service activities.

• PhD in Civil Engineering (geotechnical) or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of post‑doctoral research in pavement engineering with demonstrated publications in:
• Performance Related Specifications (PRS) within asphalt BMD.
• Use of high‑content RAP in asphalt mixes and mechanistic‑empirical modeling.
• Asphalt binder testing and Performance Grade characterization.
• Experience with modeling and finite element simulations of pavements and mechanistic‑empirical pavement design methods.
• Proficiency in data analysis, model development, pavement material testing, and pavement field testing.
• Experience with alternative binders or binder extenders, lifecycle economic and environmental assessment.

• Experience conducting environmental life cycle assessments of pavement activities.
• Ability to oversee several funded research projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in operating and programming dynamic testing machines.
• Strong skills in Matlab, Excel, and analysis software.
• Experience leading, supporting, and coordinating research teams.

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 and federal law. Under federal law, UC Davis may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States.

Some positions funded by federal contracts require a background check.