Average Postdoc Salary In Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position title: POSTDOC-EMPLOYEE
Salary range: $69,073 to $82,836
Anticipated start: As soon as possible
Application Window
Open date: July 17, 2026
Most recent review date: Monday, Aug 17, 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: 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
Postdoctoral Scholar Series in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Riverside anticipates openings for appointments in the Postdoctoral Scholar Series.
Postdoctoral Scholars contribute to the academic community by enhancing the research and education programs of the University. They bring expertise and creativity that enrich the research environment for all members of the University community, including graduate and undergraduate students. Postdoctoral Scholars work under the supervision of a faculty mentor and contribute to the intellectual environment of the research group and the broader academic community.
Candidates should demonstrate strong research potential, advanced knowledge in their area of study, and a commitment to further developing their expertise. Appointments in this series are intended to provide a period of advanced training and professional development in preparation for independent careers. Candidates should mention potential collaborators within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Initial appointments are typically for a two-year term, subject to exceptions, and may be eligible for renewal. Salary and level will be determined based on qualifications and experience. The current base pay range for this position is $69,073 to $82,836.
Basic qualifications required at the time of application include Applicants must possess a Ph.D. degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences or a related field by date of employment.
Additional qualifications include experience in practical lab work involving cryo-vacuum equipment and analytical techniques. The candidate must have a strong interest in astrobiology, extraterrestrial geochemistry, and NASA-relevant questions. To solve research questions, the candidate must possess the self-confidence and interest to learn aspects of different fields or new skills, as needed. Coding experience in a scientific computing language is an asset.
To apply, please submit the following materials to JPF02298 :
• Curriculum Vitae (required)
• Cover Letter (2-page max limit)
• Contact information of two potential referees
Review of applications will begin on 17 August 2026.
For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Naudia Samuels Johnson, Academic Personnel, at naudia.samuelsjohnson@ucr.edu .
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission statement is a preferred qualification.
We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the (Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment), Promotion, and Appraisal APM 210 .
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 categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
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.
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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.
Department: https://epsci.ucr.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Applicants must possess a Ph.D. degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences or a related field by date of employment.
Preferred qualifications
A commitment to the UCR mission is a preferred qualification.
Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Misc./Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
Reference Letters are not required for this recruitment.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02298
Help contact: naudias@ucr.edu
About UC Riverside
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission ( https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement ) is a preferred qualification.
We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal ( https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf ). For Non-Senate faculty positions, review criteria and duties are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
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 categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
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.
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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.
For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH .
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .
For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf .
Job location
Riverside, CA