Assistant Project Scientist
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: June 8, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position description
The Department of Psychology is currently hiring for an Assistant Project Scientist. For more information regarding the Project Scientist series, please refer to The Call Appendix 36: Project (e.g. Scientist) Series
Criteria:
Candidate must have a PhD in Neuroscience or Psychology (Behavioral neuroscience). Job responsibilities include supporting the PI in the design and execution of extramurally funded projects examining learning under uncertainty. The candidate should have a strong background in viral-mediated approaches such as miniscope calcium imaging and optogenetics, with the surgical, analytical, and programming skills to collect, analyze, and interpret these data. In addition, the project scientist will supervise graduate students conducting similar experiments. Responsibilities include assisting the PI in study design, regulatory aspects of research, project management, data analysis, manuscript preparation and submission.
The appointment will be for 100% starting September 1, 2026, and may conclude after 1 year depending on funding.
The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 37B. The salary range for this position is $76700 - $85000. “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
Qualifications
PhD in Neuroscience or Psychology (Behavioral neuroscience)
-Strong background in viral-mediated approaches such as miniscope calcium imaging and optogenetics, with the surgical, analytical, and programming skills to collect, analyze, and interpret these data
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
No reference needed.
Help contact: carpio@psych.ucla.edu
About UCLA
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.
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 status under state or federal law.
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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment