Assistant Project Scientist - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Pavement Research Center
University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
Position overview
Salary range:
The salary range for this position is $97,000 - $124,300. "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, qualifications, and experience.
Application Window
Open date:
April 29, 2026
Next review date:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Monday, Apr 19, 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 Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. The appointee may engage in University and public service, but does not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, etc.), the appointee is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The appointee will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception in accordance with the University policy.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1) RESEARCH (90%)
Research activity (70%)
* Makes significant, original, and creative contributions to research projects as part of the research program at the UC Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
* Plans, directs, guides, coordinates, supervises, and carries out research in all aspects, including creating project work plans, experiment design, laboratory and field testing, data analysis, model development, simulation, and reporting.
* Writes and edits project technical memoranda, research reports, and guidelines.
* Participates in technical conferences, symposiums, seminars, expert task groups, and meetings to present research findings.
* Participates in technology and research scanning activities to identify results, methods, procedures, equipment, materials, and other pavement technology related to the Pavement Research Center program and projects.
* Serves as Project Manager for field and laboratory testing programs, assisting the Principal Investigator with experimental design, preparation of test plans, participating in and supervising laboratory testing operations, including training and mentoring students and research and development engineers, supervising overall quality of data, data processing and analysis, development and characterization of pavement materials, and forensic investigations of field test sections.
Publication (15%)
Publishes research in peer-reviewed journals and peer-reviewed national and international conferences either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (5%)
As part of the Pavement Research Center's mission to pursue broader funding sources and sustainable infrastructure research, the Project Scientist will help in writing proposals to acquire additional local, national, and international research projects on various topics. They will assist in writing proposals and resource development for funding from Caltrans and other state agencies, federal organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Science Foundation, and other relevant sources, including industry and foundations.
2)
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
Participates in professional societies, including membership on committees, educational organizations, and conferences appropriate to
the appointee's specific field of pavement engineering, construction materials characterization, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable transportation. Serves as a reviewer of research proposals, research reports, journal manuscripts, technical presentations, professional publications, and other scientific publications related to the appointee's areas of expertise. Attends seminars, meetings, and educational functions to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups.
3)
UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
Engages 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 Pavement Research Center staff engineers, graduate student researchers, and undergraduate student assistants by helping them plan and undertake research.
* Liaison and communication with local, state, and federal transportation (and related) agencies, industry organizations, and other external groups on issues related to
the appointee's areas of expertise.
* Participation in activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities as appropriate to the appointee's research activities.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
(required at time of application)
PhD in Civil Engineering (geotechnical) or equivalent
At least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience in pavement engineering, with demonstrated expertise (as evidenced by publications and technical reports) in modeling and finite element simulation of pavements. The candidate should be well versed in mechanistic-empirical pavement design methods for both flexible and rigid pavements, and have experience with database management as well as programming tools and software for data management.
Experience with data analysis in terms of relating results to long-term pavement performance, strong in first and second-level data analysis, model and equation development, pavement material testing, and pavement field testing.
Preferred qualifications
(other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
Experience in conducting environmental life cycle assessments of pavement activities.
Ability to oversee several funded research projects simultaneously, including meeting benchmarks and deadlines.
Proficiency in the operation and programming of dynamic testing machines (e.g., repeated load triaxial) and in interpreting the results produced by them.
Proficiency in Matlab, Excel, and other analysis software.
Ability to lead, support, and coordinate teams of researchers and laboratory staff (e.g., setting tasks, developing guidelines, and coordinating among multiple people).
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports detailing the research process and results and a process for implementing the research findings in agency procedures and specifications
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.
Journal Publication #3
-
Detailing the applicants research studies and written by the applicant as lead author.
Technical Report #1
Technical Report #2
Cover Letter (Optional)
Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link:
JPF07556
Help contact:
About UC Davis
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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
"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
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 UC RECRUIT as part of their application.
If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.
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 for federal law.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice.
There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.
The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.
The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.
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.
Job location
Davis, CA
Salary range:
The salary range for this position is $97,000 - $124,300. "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, qualifications, and experience.
Application Window
Open date:
April 29, 2026
Next review date:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Monday, Apr 19, 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 Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. The appointee may engage in University and public service, but does not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, etc.), the appointee is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The appointee will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception in accordance with the University policy.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1) RESEARCH (90%)
Research activity (70%)
* Makes significant, original, and creative contributions to research projects as part of the research program at the UC Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
* Plans, directs, guides, coordinates, supervises, and carries out research in all aspects, including creating project work plans, experiment design, laboratory and field testing, data analysis, model development, simulation, and reporting.
* Writes and edits project technical memoranda, research reports, and guidelines.
* Participates in technical conferences, symposiums, seminars, expert task groups, and meetings to present research findings.
* Participates in technology and research scanning activities to identify results, methods, procedures, equipment, materials, and other pavement technology related to the Pavement Research Center program and projects.
* Serves as Project Manager for field and laboratory testing programs, assisting the Principal Investigator with experimental design, preparation of test plans, participating in and supervising laboratory testing operations, including training and mentoring students and research and development engineers, supervising overall quality of data, data processing and analysis, development and characterization of pavement materials, and forensic investigations of field test sections.
Publication (15%)
Publishes research in peer-reviewed journals and peer-reviewed national and international conferences either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (5%)
As part of the Pavement Research Center's mission to pursue broader funding sources and sustainable infrastructure research, the Project Scientist will help in writing proposals to acquire additional local, national, and international research projects on various topics. They will assist in writing proposals and resource development for funding from Caltrans and other state agencies, federal organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Science Foundation, and other relevant sources, including industry and foundations.
2)
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
Participates in professional societies, including membership on committees, educational organizations, and conferences appropriate to
the appointee's specific field of pavement engineering, construction materials characterization, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable transportation. Serves as a reviewer of research proposals, research reports, journal manuscripts, technical presentations, professional publications, and other scientific publications related to the appointee's areas of expertise. Attends seminars, meetings, and educational functions to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups.
3)
UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
Engages 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 Pavement Research Center staff engineers, graduate student researchers, and undergraduate student assistants by helping them plan and undertake research.
* Liaison and communication with local, state, and federal transportation (and related) agencies, industry organizations, and other external groups on issues related to
the appointee's areas of expertise.
* Participation in activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities as appropriate to the appointee's research activities.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
(required at time of application)
PhD in Civil Engineering (geotechnical) or equivalent
At least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience in pavement engineering, with demonstrated expertise (as evidenced by publications and technical reports) in modeling and finite element simulation of pavements. The candidate should be well versed in mechanistic-empirical pavement design methods for both flexible and rigid pavements, and have experience with database management as well as programming tools and software for data management.
Experience with data analysis in terms of relating results to long-term pavement performance, strong in first and second-level data analysis, model and equation development, pavement material testing, and pavement field testing.
Preferred qualifications
(other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
Experience in conducting environmental life cycle assessments of pavement activities.
Ability to oversee several funded research projects simultaneously, including meeting benchmarks and deadlines.
Proficiency in the operation and programming of dynamic testing machines (e.g., repeated load triaxial) and in interpreting the results produced by them.
Proficiency in Matlab, Excel, and other analysis software.
Ability to lead, support, and coordinate teams of researchers and laboratory staff (e.g., setting tasks, developing guidelines, and coordinating among multiple people).
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports detailing the research process and results and a process for implementing the research findings in agency procedures and specifications
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.
Journal Publication #3
-
Detailing the applicants research studies and written by the applicant as lead author.
Technical Report #1
Technical Report #2
Cover Letter (Optional)
Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link:
JPF07556
Help contact:
About UC Davis
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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
"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
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 UC RECRUIT as part of their application.
If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.
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 for federal law.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice.
There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.
The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.
The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.
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.
Job location
Davis, CA