Assistant Project Scientist

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, seeks applicants for an Assistant Project Scientist in the Experimental Space Physics research group.
The candidate must hold a PhD in Physics, Geophysics, or Engineering at the time of hiring. The candidate must have detailed knowledge of space plasma physics and be well-versed in energetic particle instrumentation design, fabrication, testing, ground and in-flight calibration, and data analysis related to these instruments. In particular, the candidate will have demonstrated experience in the above areas through peer-reviewed publications, delivery of test reports and test or flight articles with successful performance, per requirements. Participation in NASA or NSF flight projects and experience with product assurance methods and processes is desirable.
Type of Supervision:
Principal Investigator to provide top-level assignment of responsibilities and tasks. Daily workload assigned and monitored by immediate supervisor.
Energetic particle instrument design and testing (75%): Under the guidance and close supervision of the PI, engineers, and staff, the candidate will: design and develop the instrument(s) by performing all necessary testing, analysis, and interpretation of the data; develop and operate novel ground support equipment, including but not limited to detector evaluation using radioactive sources and thermal vacuum testing; update and maintain all testing/QA documentation, and produce reports.
Independent Research and Research Support (25%): Under the supervision of the PI, the candidate will have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects, prepare proposals for federal funding, and author relevant manuscripts for publication. Assist faculty, staff, and students with miscellaneous instruments, hardware, and software (e.g. IDL, Python, Matlab, etc.) for laboratory experiments, and/or developing additional space plasma instrumentation for spaceflight. The candidate will also support the development of new analytical techniques in consultation with the PI.
Candidates must provide a (a) curriculum vitae, (b) cover letter, (c) statement of research interests (max 2 pages), (d) UCLA Mission Statement and (e) three to five references, including names and contact information.
The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 37-B. The salary range for this position is $79,400 - $92,200. "Off-scale salaries", i.e. a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions
Applications will be accepted via the UC Recruit website
https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11375
beginning October 7th, 2026. The deadline to submit your application is November 6th, 2026.
Inquiries may be directed to Emmanuel Masongsong (
emasongsong@epss.ucla.edu
).

Basic qualifications
The candidate must hold a PhD in Physics, Geophysics, or Engineering at the time of hiring.

Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research (Optional)
UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
Expand our reach as a global university
Enhance our research and creative activities
Elevate how we teach
Become a more effective institution
Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)
Reference contact information is being requested of applicants. References may be asked to provide a letter of recommendation.
Apply link:
https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11375

Help contact:
leah.lee@epss.ucla.edu