Position overviewPosition title: Junior, Assistant, Associate, and Full Specialists
Salary range: $57,000 to $201,700
Application Window Open date: July 21, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Aug 4, 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 descriptionThe Department of Botany and Plant Sciences at the University of California, Riverside anticipates openings for appointments in the Specialist Series.
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 by clicking Apply Here :
• Curriculum Vitae (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Contact information for three references (required)
Review of applications will begin on August 4, 2026.
This is an open search intended to establish a pool of qualified candidates for potential appointments in the (Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full) Specialist series within the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences. The recruitment will remain open throughout the academic year, and applications will be reviewed as opportunities arise. Submission of an application does not guarantee that a position is currently available or that an interview or appointment will be offered. Due to the volume of inquiries, we are unable to respond to individual questions about specific openings or application status. For general questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Rocio McFadden, Academic Personnel, at rocio.mcfadden@ucr.edu .
Department: https://plantbiology.ucr.edu/
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
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.
Preferred qualifications A commitment to the UCR mission ( https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement ) is a preferred qualification.
Application RequirementsDocument requirements - Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter (Optional)
Reference requirements- 3 required (contact information only)
Only contact information - only ask for reference name, email and address - letters will be requested by the committee as needed through the UC Recruit system.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02279
Help contact: rgame001@ucr.edu
Job location Riverside, CA
