OPEN CALL Specialists

University of California, Riverside

$57K — $201K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in chemistry, biology or genetics for Junior Specialist; Master's or Doctorate preferred for higher ranks.
  • 3+ years of lab experience focused on chemistry and biology of nucleic acids.
  • Hands-on experience with recombinant DNA technology and mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical chemistry is preferred.
  • Demonstrated record of academic contributions, research publications, and University/public service for higher ranks required.
  • Ability to make independent contributions to interdisciplinary research projects.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute significantly to research projects in area of expertise.
  • Support research through specialized knowledge and skills.
  • Design and execute experiments with guidance from faculty mentors.
  • Manage laboratory operations effectively.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret research data.
  • Develop and maintain research tools and resources.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and training experience.
  • Possibility of appointment renewal beyond the initial one-year term.
  • Engagement in University and public service related to specialization.
  • Flexibility in appointment status (full-time, part-time, or without-salary).
  • Support in advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives within the academic environment.
Full Job Description
Position overview
Position title: Associate Specialist
Salary range: $57,700 - $201,700

Anticipated start: July 1

Application Window

Open date: September 17, 2026

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

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 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 Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Riverside anticipates openings for appointments in the Specialist Series.

This is an open call for Specialists for the 2026-2027 Academic year and the posting will remain open until the positions for 2026-2027 have been confirmed. This Specialist position is grant-funded under the sponsorship of various faculty members. Working with our diverse research team will provide a unique interdisciplinary research and training experience.

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. The current base pay range for this position is $57,000 to $201,700.

Basic qualifications required at the time of application per rank include:

Junior Specialist - Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience, e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment, software programs, social science research methods, humanities scholarship, or creative activities.

Assistant Specialist - Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Associate Specialist - Appointees to the Associate rank should possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) 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 in the field and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.

Full Specialist - Appointees to the full Specialist rank should possess a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization. Specialists at full rank are normally expected to have a significant record of academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field, professional recognition in the field, and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.

To apply, please submit the following materials to (https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JP02285)
• Curriculum Vitae (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Contact information for three references (required)
Review of applications will begin on [September 15th - Non-Senate is minimum of 30 days after open date].

For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Kendall Thomas, Academic Personnel, at [ [email protected] ]

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
BS in chemistry, biology or genetics required for the Junior Specialist role but a Master or Doctorate in Chemistry is preferred for the Assistant, Associate and Specialist role.
A minimum of three years of expereience in a lab focusing on the chemistry and biology of nucleic acids.

Preferred qualifications
Experience working on chemistry and biological of nucleic acids. Knowledge and hands-on experience with recombinant DNA technology and genetics, and mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical chemistry.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Statement of Research (Optional)
  • Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence - In a "Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence", we ask applicants to describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UCR. There are numerous ways to contribute, and a commitment to this part of our mission can be reflected through research, teaching, supervision, mentoring, community engagement, service, and any of the other varied activities that are a part of an academic career.
    (Optional)


Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required

Applicants will be asked to name references to complete their application, but the references will not be asked to provide letters unless the Analyst requests them.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02285

Help contact: [email protected]

Job location

Riverside, CA

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