Botany Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position title: Junior, Assistant, Associate, and Full Specialists
Salary range: $57,000 to $201,700
Application Window
Open date: July 21, 2026
Most recent review date: Tuesday, Aug 4, 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
The 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 Requirements
Document 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
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