Ecologist Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position title: Assistant, Associate, and Full Professional Researchers
Salary range: $93,400 to $248,400
Application Window
Open date: July 1, 2026
Most recent review date: Monday, Aug 3, 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 Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the University of California, Riverside anticipates openings for appointments in the Professional Researcher Series.
Professional Researchers are expected to engage in independent research equivalent to that required for the Professor series and do not have teaching responsibilities. With campus approval, Professional Researchers may be Principal Investigators and have the major responsibility and leadership for their research programs.
Candidates should demonstrate a high level of expertise in their discipline and the ability to make significant, original, and creative contributions to research or a creative program or project. 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. Professional Researchers are also expected to engage in University and public service relevant to their area of specialization (optional for Assistant rank, required for Associate and Full ranks).
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 $93,400 to $248,400.
Basic qualifications required at the time of application per rank include:
Assistant Professional Researcher - Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a doctorate or its equivalent. Assistant Professional Researchers are normally expected to have research qualifications and accomplishments equivalent to those for the Professor series, and professional competence and activity equivalent to those for the Professor series.
Associate Professional Researcher - Appointees to the Associate rank should possess a doctorate or its equivalent. Associate Professional Researchers are normally expected to have a record of research qualifications and accomplishments equivalent to those for the Professor series, professional competence and activity equivalent to those for the Professor series, and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.
Full Professional Researcher - Appointees to the full Professional Researcher rank should possess a doctorate or its equivalent. Professional Researchers at full rank are normally expected to have a significant record of research qualifications and accomplishments equivalent to those for the Professor series, professional competence and activity equivalent to those for the Professor series, and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.
To apply, please submit the following materials to [ https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02242]:
• Curriculum Vitae (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Contact information for three references (required)
Review of applications will begin on 8/3/2026.
For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Rebecca Nistor, Academic Personnel, at rebeccan@ucr.edu .
Department: https://eeob.ucr.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Assistant Professional Researcher - Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a doctorate or its equivalent. Assistant Professional Researchers are normally expected to have research qualifications and accomplishments equivalent to those for the Professor series, and professional competence and activity equivalent to those for the Professor series.
Associate Professional Researcher - Appointees to the Associate rank should possess a doctorate or its equivalent. Associate Professional Researchers are normally expected to have a record of research qualifications and accomplishments equivalent to those for the Professor series, professional competence and activity equivalent to those for the Professor series, and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.
Full Professional Researcher - Appointees to the full Professional Researcher rank should possess a doctorate or its equivalent. Professional Researchers at full rank are normally expected to have a significant record of research qualifications and accomplishments equivalent to those for the Professor series, professional competence and activity equivalent to those for the Professor series, 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)

Please provide the contact information for a minimum of three references. A UC Recruit system generated email will be sent to all of your references requesting their letter of recommendation. The confidential reference letters will be part of your application.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02242
Help contact: rebeccan@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