Laboratory Assistant

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 08/03/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Earth Section of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography encompasses research in the Cecil H. & Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) and the Geosciences Research Division (GRD). Research in IGPP spans a broad range of topics in geophysics including acoustics, seismology, geodynamics, geodesy and crustal deformation, geomorphology, planetary physics, geomagnetism and paleomagnetism, oceanography and electrical methods. The Cecil and Ida Green IGPP is recognized internationally as an outstanding research and teaching institution in geophysics with focus on maintaining modern infrastructure for conducting research including buildings, computer networks, computing mass storage, seagoing instrumentation, communications and global observatories.

IGPP has 45 academics in various titles (Professor, Professor-in-Residence, Research Scientist, Project Scientist and Specialist), several Research Associates/Visiting Scholars, 10 Postdoctoral Scholars, 30 graduate students and 80 staff. The Institute has approximately $22 million in annual federal, state and private allocations and $27 million in expenditures. It occupies 55,000 square feet of space including instructional and research support space, administrative offices and research labs.

IGPP currently operates several arrays of acoustic, seismic, and geodetic instruments whose data are routinely distributed to the national and international scientific research communities. Technical staff within the department provide support for the development, operation, maintenance, telemetry and data distribution from these arrays. The various groups' expertise spans acoustics engineering, seismology, geodetic studies, early hazard warning systems and precision metrology.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Laboratory Assistant will provide climate science lab/field assistant for work with GNSS/GPS instrumentation. The Lab Assistant supports atmospheric science research efforts to improve forecasting of high-impact atmospheric river storms and to support tropical climate observations that feedback into longer-term global weather forecasting challenges with significant societal impacts. The Laboratory Assistant will be trained to perform operational level work in a research laboratory involving manipulating and operating GNSS equipment. Work may require travel to remote locations for field deployments with variable hours for work shifts. They will monitor test data as well as field campaign data. They will be responsible for assisting in duties to support the laboratory/field efforts, including such tasks as driving, and assisting the PI with tasks related to laboratory project tracking and purchasing, and documentation in a highly responsive manner. They will help with outreach and communication to diverse communities regarding the scientific projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school and one (1) year of laboratory experience or two (2) years of college including courses in physical science or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. BS in science or engineering field preferred.

• Proactive in anticipating the needs of the group, highly responsive to time-sensitive tasks. Highly organized. Skilled with coordination and communication among members of the research group.

• Proficient with various computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Adobe and Google Workspace.

• Skills with routine laboratory/office needs (library research, organization, etc.).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer contingent Upon Successful Completion of a Background Check.

• Will be required to hold valid driver's license and have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures

• Needs to be able to travel to support field work and work variable hours.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $56,460 - $67,463 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $27.04 - $32.31

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).