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Assistant Professional Researcher - University Of California Center For Geotechnical Modeling
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What they do
A Research Assistant assists with a research program or project. Works in a variety of fields within science or the social sciences, in programs based at a university or research institution, or works on government or industry sponsored research projects. Conducts field or library research or recruits participants for a study; may also assist with legal research. Typically conduct research under the guidance of senior researchers or professors. These roles are often held by undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in relevant fields, or individuals with relevant work experience.
$58,973 / year median in California
Job Description
- $141,900.
Application Window Open date:
August 18, 2026 Next review date: Thursday, Sep 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.Final date:
Thursday, Apr 29, 2027 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 Assistant Professional Researcher develops and oversees their own independent, creative, and high quality research program equivalent to that required for the Professor series. The Professional Researcher takes major responsibility and leadership for their programs. Generally, the appointee is expected to secure funding as a Principal Investigator, but may be funded as a co-PI within a large center or collaborative program grant on which many independent investigators are working, as long as it is clear that the activities led by the professional researcher within the larger project constitute his/her own independent research program. Appointees do not have teaching responsibilities.MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES I. RESEARCH
(85%) Research Activity (55%) This candidate is required to work as a Co-PI within the Center for Geotechnical Modeling (CGM) on large center grants and also work as a PI to develop an independent research program in the area of geotechnical engineering. The candidate will be expected to:- Make significant, original, and creative contributions as a Co-PI through executing operations awards for the CGM.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY
(10%) The appointee will participate in professional societies, including membership on committees, educational organizations, and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field within geotechnical engineering. The appointee will serve as a reviewer of research proposals, research reports, journal manuscripts, technical presentations, professional publications, and other scientific publications related to his/her areas of expertise. The appointee will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional groups. When appropriate, the appointee may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, meetings, or educational functions. Ill.UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
(5%) The appointee will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position. The appointee will engage in other University service activities including but not limited to: guest lecturing, committee service, supporting the development of research skills of Center for Geotechincal Modeling staff engineers, graduate student researchers, and undergraduate student assistants, liaison and communication with local, state, and federal transportation (and related) agencies, industry organizations, and other external groups on issues related to his/her areas of expertise, and participation in activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities as appropriate to his/her research activities. Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) PhD in geotechnical engineering 3 years of experience in centrifuge modeling, including experimental design, model construction, centrifuge testing, and data analysis Experience in the design and development of new modeling techniques and measurement methods Experience in training, advising, and overseeing centrifuge modeling researchers Experience in operating beam centrifuge Experience in communicating research results through oral presentations and written papers and reports Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position) Experience in grant writing Experience in performing and/or advising a diverse range of centrifuge research programs Experience in writing Standard Operating Procedures for centrifuge modeling Experience in published curated project data sets Application Requirements Document requirements Authorization to Release Information Form- This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form . Curriculum Vitae
- Your most recently updated C.V. Statement of Research
- One page statement of your research interests Journal Publication #1
- Detailing the applicant's research studies and written by the applicant as lead author Journal Publication #2
- Detailing the applicant's research studies and written by the applicant as lead author Cover Letter (Optional) Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link: https://recruit.
- 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into