Junior Operations Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position title: Jr. Specialist
Salary range: $55,000
Anticipated start: March 20, 2026
Review timeline: We plan to begin reviewing applications on the initial review date. Our intention is to select a candidate from the initial applicant pool and, ideally, secure a mid- to late-March start date in order to align with research timelines.
Application Window
Open date: March 2, 2026
Most recent review date: Wednesday, Mar 18, 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 and Technology (CE-CERT) at the University of California, Riverside seeks a Junior Specialist for the Emissions and Fuels Research (EFR) Group. Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager and Principal Investigator, the Junior Specialist provides research support for laboratory testing operations associated with sponsored research, Sales and Service activities, and related emissions studies.
The Junior Specialist assists with laboratory equipment setup, emissions measurements, and standard testing procedures. Responsibilities include supporting calibration of laboratory instrumentation, conducting routine emissions tests, and preparing particulate matter and quartz filters in accordance with established laboratory protocols. The position also supports research documentation, including assistance with proposal preparation, project records, technical reports, and presentations.
The Junior Specialist is expected to work both independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment, follow established safety and quality control procedures, and perform additional duties as assigned within the scope of the Specialist title series and rank.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) in a relevant field or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research support activities in a laboratory or technical environment, including following established protocols and procedures.
• Ability to assist with laboratory testing operations, data collection, and routine technical tasks in support of research activities.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety practices and the ability to work safely with equipment, materials, and instrumentation.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation related to research activities.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Ability to follow direction from the Laboratory Manager and Principal Investigator and carry out assigned duties within the scope of the Junior Specialist title series.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, preferably supporting emissions testing, fuels research, or environmental measurement activities.
• Familiarity with emissions sampling methods, particulate matter handling, and preparation of quartz or particulate matter filters.
• Experience assisting with the calibration, operation, or routine maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and testing equipment.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures, quality control practices, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and contribute to technical documentation, reports, and presentations.
• Experience supporting research projects, contracts, or sales and service laboratory activities.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting project timelines.
To apply, candidates should submit a curriculum vitae (CV). Applications must be submitted through AP Recruit . Full consideration will be given to applications received by March 18, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled. Selected applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom. The anticipated start date is March 20, 2026 or shortly thereafter, and the appointment is for one year, with a possibility of a second year, contingent upon the availability of funding.
The salary for a Jr. Specialist, Step 1 is $55,000 annually. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Represented Jr. Specialist Salary Scale, Table 24-B . For additional information, See UCNet RA Union Contract
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) in a relevant field or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research support activities in a laboratory or technical environment, including following established protocols and procedures.
• Ability to assist with laboratory testing operations, data collection, and routine technical tasks in support of research activities.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety practices and the ability to work safely with equipment, materials, and instrumentation.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation related to research activities.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Ability to follow directions from the Laboratory Manager and Principal Investigator and carry out assigned duties within the scope of the Junior Specialist title series.
Preferred qualifications
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, preferably supporting emissions testing, fuels research, or environmental measurement activities.
• Familiarity with emissions sampling methods, particulate matter handling, and preparation of quartz or particulate matter filters.
• Experience assisting with the calibration, operation, or routine maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and testing equipment.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures, quality control practices, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and contribute to technical documentation, reports, and presentations.
• Experience supporting research projects, contracts, or sales and service laboratory activities.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting project timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• 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 is a preferred qualification.
Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Reference requirements
References are not required
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02222
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