Assistant Project Scientist Full-time NEW

Assistant Project Scientist

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, seeks applicants for an Assistant Project Scientist in the Experimental Space Physics research group.

The candidate must hold a PhD in Physics, Geophysics, or Engineering at the time of hiring. The candidate must have detailed knowledge of space plasma physics and be well-versed in energetic particle instrumentation design, fabrication, testing, ground and in-flight calibration, and data analysis related to these instruments. In particular, the candidate will have demonstrated experience in the above areas through peer-reviewed publications, delivery of test reports and test or flight articles with successful performance, per requirements. Participation in NASA or NSF flight projects and experience with product assurance methods and processes is desirable.

Type of Supervision: Principal Investigator to provide top-level assignment of responsibilities and tasks. Daily workload assigned and monitored by immediate supervisor.

Energetic particle instrument design and testing (75%): Under the guidance and close supervision of the PI, engineers, and staff, the candidate will: design and develop the instrument(s) by performing all necessary testing, analysis, and interpretation of the data; develop and operate novel ground support equipment, including but not limited to detector evaluation using radioactive sources and thermal vacuum testing; update and maintain all testing/QA documentation, and produce reports.

Independent Research and Research Support (25%): Under the supervision of the PI, the candidate will have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects, prepare proposals for federal funding, and author relevant manuscripts for publication. Assist faculty, staff, and students with miscellaneous instruments, hardware, and software (e.g. IDL, Python, Matlab, etc.) for laboratory experiments, and/or developing additional space plasma instrumentation for spaceflight. The candidate will also support the development of new analytical techniques in consultation with the PI.

Candidates must provide a (a) curriculum vitae, (b) cover letter, (c) statement of research interests (max 2 pages), (d) UCLA Mission Statement and (e) three to five references, including names and contact information.

The salary range for this position is $79,400 – $92,200. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e. a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Applications will be accepted via the UC Recruit website beginning October 7th, 2026. The deadline to submit your application is November 6th, 2026.