Specialist Series in Center Conservation Biology; Search

Position Overview

Position title:

Junior, Assistant, Associate, and Full Specialists.

Salary range: $,000 to $194,800.

Open date:
January 5, 2026.

Next review date:
Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Tuesday, Jun 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.

The Center for Conservation Biology at the University of California, Riverside anticipates openings for appointments in the Specialist Series.

Specialists are expected to make significant contributions to research projects in their area of expertise. While they typically do not lead independent research, they provide essential support through their specialized knowledge, skills, and experience. Specialists may contribute to the design and execution of research, manage laboratory operations, collect and analyze data, and/or develop and maintain research tools and resources.

Candidates should demonstrate a high level of expertise in their discipline and the ability to make independent, innovative contributions to research activities. Appointment and advancement in this series are based on the quality and significance of their specialized contributions, as well as their professional competence and activities. In some cases, Specialists may also engage in University and public service relevant to their area of specialization.

Appointments may be made on a full‑time, part‑time, or without‑salary basis. Initial appointments are typically for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Junior Specialist: A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) or equivalent research experience in instrumentation, research equipment, software programs, social science research methods, humanities scholarship, or creative activities.
• Assistant Specialist: A master’s degree (or equivalent) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.
• Associate Specialist: A master’s degree (or equivalent) or five to ten years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization. Associate Specialists are normally expected to have a record of academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in‑press research and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.
• Full Specialist: A terminal degree (or equivalent) or ten or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization. Full Specialists are normally expected to have a significant record of academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in‑press research, professional recognition, and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.

• A commitment to the UCR mission ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is a preferred qualification.

• Curriculum Vitae:
  Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Contact information for three references (required)

Review of applications will begin on February 5, 2026.

For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Rebecca Nistor, Academic Personnel, at rebeccan.

Apply by submitting your application at /JPF
02171.

• Three letters of reference required.

The University of California, Riverside is a world‑class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission () is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements…