Assistant Project Scientist in Materials

Assistant Project Scientist in Materials

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $99,600-$115,400

Percent time: 100

Anticipated start: March 1, 2026 or later

Position duration: Initial appointment is for one year. Followed by a one year reappointment, contingent on performance and continued research funding.

Application Window

Open date: February 3, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Saturday, Oct 31, 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.

Position description

The Materials Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist to pursue innovative research in collaboration with Professor Steven Den Baars and Professor Shuji Nakamura. The successful candidate will be involved in advanced photonic devices based on III-Nitrides semiconductors. This will include MOCVD growth, chip fabrication, and testing of GaN and its alloys for optoelectronic applications as well as projects on UV laser diodes and MicroLEDs.

Specific expertise in the epitaxial lift-off with porous GaN and growth of UVA and UVB lasers and LEDs. Knowledge of advanced semiconductor fabrication technologies for compound semiconductors devices is preferable. The position will involve project management and supervision of graduate student researchers and visiting researchers on the Micro-LED and COVID-19 UV LED and laser projects.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

At the time of application, candidate must possess a Doctorate degree (or equivalent degree) in Materials Science or related field.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

1) Minimum of one year in a Postdoctoral position in related field.
2) Minimum of five years experience in III-nitride and III-V semiconductor device fabrication, testing, packaging for GaN based LEDs and laser diodes.
3) At least four years MOCVD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) Experience.

Preferred qualifications

1) An outstanding research record or demonstrated independent research in the areas of advanced photonic devices based on III-Nitrides semiconductors.
2) Knowledge of advanced semiconductor fabrication technologies for compound semiconductors devices.
3) Strong oral and written communication skills.
4) Experience leading teams on critical research projects and objectives.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

The search Chair will contact references of candidates who advance to semifinalists.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA