Vision Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position title: Assistant Project Scientist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: Project Scientist Series ). A reasonable estimate for this position is $79,400-$92,200.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Fall 2026
Position duration: This is a one-year term with the possibility of renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding.
Application Window
Open date: July 8, 2026
Most recent review date: Friday, Aug 14, 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: Thursday, Dec 31, 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 UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science seeks applications for the position of Assistant Project Scientist in the field of Microbial Pathogenesis of Corneal Infections at 100% effort.
The position primarily involves an investigation aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of infections involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially the intracellular life of the pathogen, and bacterial adaptations associated with antibiotic tolerance. Another project area involves studying the role of sensory nerves in defending the eye against bacterial adhesion. Duties include experimental work in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo using multiple models of infection and host defense, genomic and proteomic analysis of bacteria and host cells, the ability to analyze large data sets, statistical analysis, and the use of high-resolution live cell spatial imaging. The position also requires writing and publishing of manuscripts, presentation of work at scientific research conferences, mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, preparation of research grant progress reports, contribution to laboratory maintenance, and new submission or renewal of required protocols.
School: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• PhD degree or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Two years of post-PhD research experience.
• Evidence of a commitment to research publication, as demonstrated by a record of peer-reviewed publications, manuscripts in preparation, submitted works, or other scholarly contributions.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD degree in Microbiology, Cell Biology, or Molecular Genetics, or a related field, and theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in the area of microbial pathogenesis acquired via prior post-doctoral work of at least 2 years.
• Experience with microbial pathogenesis.

Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Applicants must provide the names and contact information of their references. The hiring unit will request confidential letters from the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05445
Help contact: kleviege@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
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.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA