Combustion Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position titles:

• Assistant Researcher
• Associate or Full Researcher

Salary range: $124,200-$272,000
Anticipated start: September 1, 2025, or shortly thereafter.
Review timeline: The first round of applications will be accepted through August 1, 2025, with additional rounds of review until the position is filled.
Application Window
Open date: June 16, 2025
Most recent review date: Wednesday, Apr 8, 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, Jun 30, 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 Center for Environmental Research & Technology (CE-CERT) at the Bourns College of Engineering, University of California, Riverside, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Engineer to join our Emissions and Fuels Research Group. As a faculty Research Engineer, you will play a key role in conducting independent and collaborative research to study the emissions and activity of various mobile sources, including but not limited to light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, engines, off-road equipment, marine vessels, locomotives, and other sources. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for running and eventually managing the laboratories, communicating with customers and project sponsors, and managing testing and research projects. Additional responsibilities will include field testing work for mobile and off-road sources, as well as stationary sources. The candidate will work closely with the other EFR faculty members, technical staff, and students. The candidate will be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing testing and research programs
The faculty Research Engineer position at the Center for Environmental Research & Technology offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of emissions and fuels for various mobile sources. If you are a dedicated and innovative researcher with a passion for environmental sustainability and transportation, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dynamic team at the forefront of advancing clean and sustainable technologies.
Qualifications will include a Ph.D. in mechanical, chemical, or environmental engineering, and having 2 or more years of research experience with a strong publication record.
Additional qualifications include:
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field with a focus on air quality, emissions testing, fuels, or sustainable transportation.
• Proven experience in conducting independent research in the field of air quality and vehicle emissions from different sources.
• Advanced knowledge associated with the fabrication of engineering systems, electronics, and engine components.
• Strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and modeling techniques.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for data analysis and simulation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Track record of successful grant writing and securing external research funding.
A successful candidate will have a proven record of, or exceptional promise for, competence in the understanding of advanced combustion systems, emissions characterization, sensor development, alternative fuels, and powertrain technologies.
To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter with a research statement, a curriculum vitae (CV), and three letters of reference or names of three references, depending on the level. Applications must be submitted through AP Recruit at https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02108 . Full consideration will be given to applications received by August 1, 2025, and the position is open until filled. Selected applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom.
Researcher salary ranges from $124,200 to $272,000 annually, depending on experience upon start. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Represented Research Series Salary Scale, Table 14B - https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t14-b.pdf , (see: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/ )
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
A Phd in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field with a focus on air quality, emissions testing, fuels, or sustainable transportation.
Preferred qualifications
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 ( https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement ) is a preferred qualification.
Application Requirements by Level
Assistant Level
Position title: Assistant Researcher
Please complete the application and upload the required documents.
Document requirements

• Cover Letter - Please include a research statement in your cover letter.
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Sample publications (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Please provide three letters of recommendation.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02108
Associate/Full Level
Position title: Associate or Full Researcher
Please complete the application and upload the required documents.
Document requirements

• Cover Letter - Please include a research statement in your cover letter.
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Sample publications (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide three references with contact information.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02108
Help contact: sconnor@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 ).
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