Assistant Project Scientist

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range: See Table 37B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700 annually.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: April 15, 2026

Position duration: This position has a current end date of June 30, 2028

Open date: February 9, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Feb 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Aug 3, 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 Sierra Nevada Research Institute (SNRI) at UC Merced ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is seeking a full-time Assistant Project Scientist position to support the emerging UC Merced Earth Institute and its affiliated Centers through research, team development, co‑production of knowledge, and engagement in focal areas, particularly fire resilience, sustainable energy, and nature‑based climate solutions. The successful candidate will have a strong record of climate and environmental research and will help generate scientific communications related to climate information and research outcomes.

Depending on field of expertise, the successful candidate may identify management, technology uptake, and climate solution adoption barriers, and refine approaches to inform adaptive management of natural resources under variable and changing climate; they may also lead development, implementation, and evaluation of outreach related to resource management and climate communications. Activities may result in a synthesis of knowledge compiled into peer‑reviewed publications.

The Assistant Project Scientist is expected to work with institute leadership in developing proposals for funding from federal, state agencies, and other funding organizations.

Basic qualifications

• Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences or a relevant area

Preferred qualifications

• The ideal candidate should have a strong publication record related to climate and environmental research; well‑developed data analysis and/or modeling skills; and excellent written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and demonstrated success in research and/or research training grant acquisition.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Authorization to Release Information Form - 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.
  
  Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: /JPF
02050

Help contact: mstephens3

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H‑1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, and APM 035:
Affinity Action and Non‑Discrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R‑1 institution by…