Specialist; Assistant and Associate levels in interdisciplinary biotechnology research

Position Overview

Position title: Specialist (Assistant and Associate levels)

Salary range: $64,100 - $90,300 (at 100% time)

Percent time: 5% - 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2025 or later

Position duration: Typically 1 year with possibility of extension, could be less due to funding restrictions

Open date: December 9, 2025

Most recent review date: Monday, Mar 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) is an Army-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). ICB is a uniquely interdisciplinary research alliance led by the University of California, Santa Barbara, with partners from MIT, Caltech, the Army and industry.

ICB research is driven by more than 50 premier faculty working with graduate students, project scientists, specialists, and professional researchers in interdisciplinary teams of biologists, chemists, physicists, psychologists, physicians, social scientists, and engineers. These teams develop biologically inspired, revolutionary technological innovations in systems and synthetic biology, materials science and engineering, biotechnology tools and cognitive neuroscience.

ICB is actively seeking Specialists (Assistant or Associate rank) to commit effort on ICB projects. This is a large, pooled recruitment covering many disciplines and research foci. Screening is ongoing and will continue through September 30, 2026, and the number of positions varies with departmental needs. Positions may range from part‑time to full‑time.

Appointees at the Assistant level enable research as part of a team and may provide some independent input into planning and execution. Appointees at the Associate level enable research as part of a team and normally provide considerable independent input into planning and execution. Specialists engage in specialized research, professional activity, and university and/or public service, using their expertise to contribute to the research enterprise and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community.

ICB’s research portfolio includes, but is not limited to, the following projects and disciplines:

• Systems and synthetic biology
• Control and dynamical systems
• Photonic and electronic materials
• Electronic materials and devices
• Cellular structural materials
• Biotechnology and biotechnology tools
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Psychological and brain sciences
• Medical
• Biomedical
• Nanofluidics and microfluidics
• Biomimetics and biofilms
• Social media analysis and predictive modeling
• Molecular, cellular, ecosystems, marine science, and biology research
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Materials
• Computer Science
• Chemistry and biochemistry
• Microfabrication
• Nanofabrication
• Atomic force
• Microscopy
• Microfluidics
• Physics
• Computer Science

Other pooled recruitments that may interest applicants include:
Junior Specialists (link removed) and Project Scientists (link removed).

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):

Appointees must possess a master’s degree in a relevant discipline as listed above.

Preferred qualifications:

Previous research experience in a relevant discipline.

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements:

• Three references (contact information only)

References for finalists may be contacted by phone or email after interviews.

Apply at the following link (URL omitted). Contact: shayna

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 related to workplace policies or laws.

Additionally, applicants are required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended.

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 or federal law.

Santa Barbara, CA