Jr. Specialist

Position Overview

Position title: Jr. Specialist

Salary range: $55,000

Anticipated start: March 20, 2026

Review timeline: We plan to begin reviewing applications on the initial review date. Our intention is to select a candidate from the initial applicant pool and, ideally, secure a mid‑to‑late‑March start date in order to align with research timelines.

Open date: March 2, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 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.

The Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE‑CERT) at the University of California, Riverside seeks a Junior Specialist for the Emissions and Fuels Research (EFR) Group. Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager and Principal Investigator, the Junior Specialist provides research support for laboratory testing operations associated with sponsored research, Sales and Service activities, and related emissions studies.

The Junior Specialist assists with laboratory equipment setup, emissions measurements, and standard testing procedures. Responsibilities include supporting calibration of laboratory instrumentation, conducting routine emissions tests, and preparing particulate matter and quartz filters in accordance with established laboratory protocols. The position also supports research documentation, including assistance with proposal preparation, project records, technical reports, and presentations.

The Junior Specialist is expected to work both independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment, follow established safety and quality control procedures, and perform additional duties as assigned within the scope of the Specialist title series and rank.

The salary for a Jr. Specialist, Step 1 is $55,000 annually. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Represented Jr. Specialist Salary Scale, Table 24‑B. For additional information, see UCNet RA Union Contract.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by March 18, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled. Selected applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom. The appointment is for one year, with a possibility of a second year, contingent upon the availability of funding.

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) in a relevant field or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research support activities in a laboratory or technical environment, including following established protocols and procedures.
• Ability to assist with laboratory testing operations, data collection, and routine technical tasks in support of research activities.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety practices and the ability to work safely with equipment, materials, and instrumentation.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation related to research activities.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Ability to follow direction from the Laboratory Manager and Principal Investigator and carry out assigned duties within the scope of the Junior Specialist title series.

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, preferably supporting emissions testing, fuels research, or environmental measurement activities.
• Familiarity with emissions sampling methods, particulate matter handling, and preparation of quartz or particulate matter filters.
• Experience assisting with the calibration, operation, or routine maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and testing equipment.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures, quality control practices, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and contribute to technical documentation, reports, and presentations.
• Experience supporting research projects, contracts, or sales and service laboratory…