University of California San Diego

Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in atmospheric or climate science with several years of relevant research experience.
  • Demonstrated creativity in research through relevant publications in hydro-meteorology and hydro-climate.
  • Experience in subseasonal-and-seasonal (S&S) research is preferred.
  • Background in atmospheric rivers (AR) and their impacts is a plus.
  • Strong organizational and collaborative skills are essential.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research to improve subseasonal-and-seasonal weather and climate prediction efforts.
  • Investigate the impact of ENSO on seasonal prediction related to storm types.
  • Explore the role of convection in the evolution and predictability of atmospheric rivers.
  • Assess the implications of climate change on S&S forecasts and future projections.
  • Effectively communicate research findings both orally and in writing.

Benefits

  • Access to competitive off-scale salaries if necessary to meet conditions.
  • Opportunities for professional development within a leading academic institution.
  • Involvement in collaborative projects that contribute to impactful climate research.
Full Job Description
Position overview
Position title: Assistant/Associate/Full Project Scientist
Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $80,800 - $115,400. "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. Posted UC academic salary scales: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/2025-26-academic-salary-scales.html set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf
Application Window

Open date: February 4, 2026

Most recent review date: Monday, Mar 2, 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: Thursday, Feb 4, 2027 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 candidate will engage in several related lines of investigation. Key is research towards improving CW3E's operational subseasonal-and-seasonal (S&S) weather and climate prediction effort and involves creative research on sources and mechanisms of predictability necessary for future forecast improvement. In this vein, the candidate will obtain results on the role of ENSO in seasonal prediction, specifically with respect to storm type, i.e. atmospheric rivers and other storms. In a related line of inquiry, the candidate will investigate the role of convection in atmospheric rivers (AR) evolution, predictability and impacts. In another related research thrust, the candidate will investigate the role of climate change in S&S now and in future climate projections. We are seeking a well-rounded hydroclimate scientist able to creatively contribute to and evolve several related projects. The candidate should be able to work effectively and in an organized manner both individually and as part of a group. The candidate must be able to convey research results clearly in oral and written formats.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD in atmospheric or climate science and several years experience working creatively (as evidenced by relevant publications) on research topics in hydro-meteorology and hydro-climate.

Preferred qualifications
Evidence of subseasonal-and-seasonal (S&S) - and AR-relevant research and collaborative work in climate science is a plus.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement of Research
  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)
  • Misconduct Authorization of Information Release - Please complete the required release form found on the following link and upload it to your online application: https://aps.ucsd.edu/_files/oars/Authorization_Release_of_Information_Form.pdf

    Required


Reference requirements
  • 5-7 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04422

Help contact: [email protected]
Job location

La Jolla, CA

About University of California San Diego

The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) is a public research university in San Diego, California. Established in 1960 near the pre-existing Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is the seventh-oldest of the 10 University of California campuses and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, enrolling approximately 38,325 students. UC San Diego is organized into six undergraduate residential colleges (Revelle, John Muir, Thurgood Marshall, Earl Warren, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Sixth College) and five academic divisions (Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Jacobs School of Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences). The university operates 19 organized research units (ORUs), including the Center for Energy Research, Qualcomm Institute (a branch of the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology), and the San Diego Supercomputer Center.
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