Job Details

Assistant Project Scientist in Materials

Position Number: 6899725
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Assistant Project Scientist in Materials

University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview
Position title: Assistant Project Scientist Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $99,600-$115,400 Percent time: 100 Anticipated start: March 1, 2026 or later Position duration: Initial appointment is for one year. Followed by a one year reappointment, contingent on performance and continued research funding. Application Window

Open date: February 3, 2026

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

Final date: Saturday, Oct 31, 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.

Position description

The Materials Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist to pursue innovative research in collaboration with Professor Steven DenBaars and Professor Shuji Nakamura. The successful candidate will be involved in advanced photonic devices based on III-Nitrides semiconductors. This will include MOCVD growth, chip fabrication, and testing of GaN and its alloys for optoelectronic applications as well as projects on UV laser diodes and MicroLEDs. Specific expertise in the epitaxial lift-off with porous GaN and growth of UVA and UVB lasers and LEDs. Knowledge of advanced semiconductor fabrication technologies for compound semiconductors devices is preferable. The position will involve project management and supervision of graduate student researchers and visiting researchers on the Micro-LED and COVID-19 UV LED and laser projects.

Department: https://www.materials.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

At the time of application, candidate must possess a Doctorate degree (or equivalent degree) in Materials Science or related field.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

1) Minimum of one year in a Postdoctoral position in related field.
2) Minimum of five years experience in III-nitride and III-V semiconductor device fabrication, testing, packaging for GaN based LEDs and laser diodes.
3) At least four years MOCVD ( metalorganic chemical vapor deposition) Experience.

Preferred qualifications

1) An outstanding research record or demonstrated independent research in the areas of advanced photonic devices based on III-Nitrides semiconductors.
2) Knowledge of advanced semiconductor fabrication technologies for compound semiconductors devices.
3) Strong oral and written communication skills.
4) Experience leading teams on critical research projects and objectives.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Statement of Research

Reference requirements

3 required (contact information only)

The search Chair will contact references of candidates who advance to semifinalists.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03058

Help contact: enmt-mtrlsearch@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara

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 or discrimination 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

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health 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.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03058