Assistant Scientist Astronomy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position title: Assistant Project Scientist - FY (Non-Senate)
Salary range: A reasonable salary estimate for this position is $76,700. The posted UC academic salary scales, https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.html , set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Application Window
Open date: December 4, 2025
Most recent review date: Monday, Jan 5, 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: Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 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 Astronomy & Astrophysics within the School of Physical Sciences at UC San Diego is conducting an open search for Project Scientist (non-tenured, Assistant level) in the field of theoretical planet formation and exoplanet science to join Professor Eve Lee's group.
At UC San Diego, Project Scientists are academic researchers who are expected to make significant and creative contributions to a research team, but are not necessarily leaders of the research team. They are not required to carry out independent research or develop an independent research reputation but will publish and carry out research or creative programs with supervision by a member of the Professor or Professional Research series. Project Scientists may not serve as a Principal Investigator but may serve as Co-Principal Investigators with members of the Professor or Research Scientist series. University and public service are encouraged but not required, and they do not have formal teaching responsibilities. Appointment durations vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD in Astronomy, Physics or related field.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Proficiency in numerical methods in hydrodynamics.
Preferred qualifications
Preference given to candidates with experience with Athena ++, FARGO3D or GIZMO.
Application Requirements
Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

3 Reference Letters
Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04379
Help contact: cmaldonadorodas@ucsd.edu
About UC San Diego
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 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 prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.
The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at: https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf . This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at (858) 534-4361 if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.
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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
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• "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: [ https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH ]
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [ https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination ]
Job location
San Diego, CA