Professional Researcher in Physics and Astronomy (Pooled Recruitment)

Position overview
Position title: Professional Researcher
Salary range: $96,700 - $257,100

Application Window

Open date: July 16, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Jul 30, 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

Professional Researcher Series in Physics and Astronomy (Open Search)
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Riverside anticipates openings for appointments in the Professional Researcher Series.
Professional Researchers are expected to engage in independent research equivalent to that required for the Professor series and not for appointees whose duties are limited to making significant and creative contributions to a research project or to providing technical assistance to a research activity. Appointees with Professional Research titles do not have teaching responsibilities. In addition, Professional Researchers may engage in University and public service.
Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field. Appointment and advancement in this series are based on professional achievements and the impact of their technical contributions to the respective research field.
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 $96,700 to $257,100.
Basic qualifications required at the time of application include an earned Ph.D. degree or its equivalent.
Preferred qualifications for this position include: Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field.

To apply, please submit the following materials to Browes Open Recruitment
• Curriculum Vitae (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Contact information for three references (required)
Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2026.
For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Ashleigh Bennett, Academic Personnel, at ashleigh.bennett@ucr.edu .

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
required at the time of application include an earned Ph.D. degree or its equivalent.

Preferred qualifications
for this position include: Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Please provide the contact information for a minimum of three references. Upon review of applications, if the Search Committee wishes to review your reference letters and they are not already uploaded, they will reach out to your references via AP Recruit.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02274

Help contact: ashleigb@ucr.edu

Job location

Riverside, CA