What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Researcher position at University of California Los Angeles and Careers?
- ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCES / L&S Physical Sciences / UCLA
POSITION OVERVIEW
Position title: Associate ResearcherThe posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 13B- Represented Professional Research Series- FY. The salary range for this position is $116,200 - $122,200. “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.
APPLICATION WINDOW
Open date: January 21, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
- Numerical modeling of the dynamic variability of radiation belt fluxes
- Data analysis from spacecraft observations including the Van Allen Probes, Arase, THEMIS, and other related spacecraft data sets
- Publication of high quality journal papers in top-rated academic journals
- Presentation of study results in international conferences
- Proposal writing to NASA, NSF, and other federal agencies
QUALIFICATIONS
- Appointee must possess a recent doctorate degree, in the field physics, plasma or space science, engineering, or related disciplines.
- Previous training and experience in space physics research
- Extensive knowledge and expertise in radiation belt modeling and data analysis
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research
Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
Expand our reach as a global university
Enhance our research and creative activities
Elevate how we teach
Become a more effective institutionPrompt for candidates for recruitment:
Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
Statement of Teaching (Optional)
- 3-5 letters of reference required
(3) Letters of Recommendation are required. Please include contact information for your references.
Help contact: tle@jifresse.ucla.edu
ABOUT UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
JOB LOCATION
Salary : $116,200 - $122,200