Assistant Specialist

The Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Riverside, invites applications for an Assistant Specialist to oversee and support research operations related to the ExFAB (Extreme & Exceptional Microbes BioFoundry) by developing and maintaining computational infrastructure that enables high-throughput synthetic biology and genomics research. The position emphasizes the design and implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), software and scripting support for ExFAB projects, and the development of computational approaches linking genotype to phenotype for metabolic engineering and functional genomics applications.

Appointees to the Assistant Specialist rank should possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization. The candidate will work closely with faculty, research staff, and technical teams to ensure robust data management, reproducible computational workflows, and effective integration of experimental and computational research activities within ExFAB.

The preferred qualifications for this position: degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related quantitative field, demonstrated proficiency in Python, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment; experience with bioinformatics pipelines, LIMS development, laboratory automation, or synthetic biology research is preferred.

Advancement through the specialist 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 input. The appointment is expected to begin on April 20, 2026. The duration of the appointment will be for two years, dependent upon grant funding.

Interested individuals should apply online at UC Riverside Academic Personnel Recruit - Position JPF02217 Application Portal . Applications must include a cover letter, recently updated curriculum vitae, 1-2 sample publications, contact information for three references, and a statement of research interests. Review of applications will begin March 30, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table(s) UCOP Compensation Salary Scales . The salary range for this position is $63,500-70,700. "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, 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 condition. Salary will be commensurate upon education and experience in accordance with university-established salary scales found on the Office of the President's Academic Personnel Programs Compensation Index .

For more information, please visit the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering .