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The Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) at the University of California, Riverside is seeking a part-time Project Scientist to support cutting-edge research in air quality and climate change. This position will contribute to the measurement, analysis, and interpretation of criteria air pollutants, air toxics, speciated metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and greenhouse gases collected through regional and community-scale monitoring efforts.

The Project Scientist will play a key role in the implementation of air quality and community monitoring projects across the United States, working closely with CE-CERT researchers and collaborating with academic, governmental, non-governmental, and community partners. The position will also support education and training initiatives under CE-CERT’s Air Quality and Climate Training (ACT) Program, sponsored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Key Responsibilities
The Project Scientist will conduct advanced air quality, air toxics, and greenhouse gas measurements and perform data analysis in support of air pollution, climate change, and exposure research. The role includes planning, coordinating, and deploying advanced air pollution measurement systems, including regulatory-grade analyzers and research-grade instrumentation such as Proton Transfer Reaction–Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS). The Project Scientist will lead measurement and analysis activities using regulatory monitoring networks, mobile and stationary monitoring platforms, distributed sensor networks, and remote sensing tools. In addition, the appointee will develop and apply advanced analytical frameworks—including geospatial statistics, machine learning tools, air quality modeling, and source apportionment techniques—to interpret air pollution observations and assess regional, community-scale, and personal exposure. The Project Scientist will support CE-CERT researchers in the implementation of air quality and community monitoring projects across the U.S. and assist faculty in the development of air quality and climate-related coursework and education and training activities under the Air Quality and Climate Training (ACT) Program.

Required Qualifications
The successful candidate must hold a Ph.D. in environmental engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related discipline, with a minimum of five years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience and a demonstrated record of scholarly publications. The candidate must possess extensive knowledge of air pollution, emissions, and exposure science, along with significant experience operating advanced air quality and emissions measurement instrumentation and systems (e.g., PTR-MS, GC-MS). Strong expertise in advanced statistical, numerical, and spatial data analysis for large-scale datasets is required, as well as experience conducting rigorous, applied research. A broad understanding of air pollution control and mitigation strategies is also essential.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates will demonstrate the ability to synthesize research findings for technical publications and present results to a wide range of audiences. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment are highly desirable. Prior experience working with research, regulatory, and community stakeholders, as well as comfort collaborating with diverse partners, is also preferred.

To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter, a research statement, a curriculum vitae (CV), and three letters of reference. Applications must be submitted through AP Recruit at https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02206. Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 25, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled. Selected applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2026, and the appointment is expected to be for two years, contingent upon the availability of funding. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

The full salary for a Project Scientist ranges from $117,600 - $221,200 annually, depending on experience upon start. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Represented Project Scientist Salary Scale, Table 38-B - https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t38-b.pdf, (see: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/)

Advancement through the faculty and non-senate academic ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

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.