JobForProf
UCLA

Assistant Researcher

The University of California, Los Angeles

L&S Physical Sciences / EARTH, PLANETARY, AND SPACE SCIENCESPosted September 1, 2026Job ID: JPF11173

About this position

Position Overview

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 13-B. The salary range for this position is $96,700 - $114,300. "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. Anticipated start Not yet provided

Application Deadline

Open date: September 1, 2026 Next review date:Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position Description

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, seeks applicants for an Assistant Researcher. The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in space physics or related fields. The successful candidate will conduct research using the following: theoretical, observational, modeling, or experimental research on dynamics of solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere. Demonstrated use of ML/AI and analysis tools such as SPEDAS, IDL, Python is desirable. The core of the research is on topics addressed with current missions, including PSP, TRACERS, THEMIS, ARTEMIS, low-altitude and geosynchronous missions, and ground-based observatories. Candidates are expected to demonstrate (through published works) experience, breadth, and independence. Work is to be carried out in collaboration with the Experimental Space Physics Group led by Prof. Vassilis Angelopoulos. Candidates must provide a (a) curriculum vitae, (b) cover letter, (c) statement of research (max 2 pages), (d) UCLA Mission Statement, and the (e) names of three references including names and contact information. Applications will be accepted via the UC Recruit website here beginning September 1, 2026. The deadline to submit your application is October 1, 2026. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Vassilis Angelopoulos (vassilis@igpp.ucla.edu).

Qualifications

Basic qualificationsPh.D. in space physics or related fields. Preferred qualificationsDemonstrated use of ML/AI and analysis tools such as SPEDAS, IDL, Python is desirable

Application Requirements

Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Statement of Research 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/JPF11173 Help contact:sean@epss.ucla.edu