Research Technician - Plasmas & Materials

#139204 Research Technician - Plasmas & Materials

Extended Deadline: Wed 6/24/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 4/15/26 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.

Job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Responsibilities include the upkeep of UHV vacuum systems, closed loop coolant systems, as well as the testing, integration, and deployment of advanced scientific equipment and apparatus, including high power electrical plasma systems. Collaborates closely with academic researchers to develop conceptual designs for engineering, construction, installation, and performance optimization of research experiments. Supports planning, evaluation of experimental techniques, data analysis, and interpretation arising from these facilities.

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or co-Principal Investigator, the incumbent is responsible for all phases of fabrication of scientific equipment and for some design work. Engages in planning, budgeting, scheduling, development, production, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of experimental systems. Provides technical support to research scientists, technical staff, and students, as well as external collaborators in CER's internationally funded multi-disciplinary plasma physics and energy research programs. Working at the direction of research staff, incumbent may also operate experimental devices to acquire experimental data across a range of pre-determined operating conditions.

Occasionally manages a variety of technical and research support activities, including subcontractors and component procurements. Advises and guides graduate students, development engineers, project scientists, and post-doctoral researchers on design, development, testing, and integration of unique, state-of-the-art scientific plasma devices on campus and at international collaboration sites. Contributes to enhancing system effectiveness, reliability, and feasibility to meet experimental goals.

Qualifications

• In depth knowledge of and demonstrated experience in using machine shop equipment/tools such as a mill, lathe, drill press, tig welder, brazing equipment and metal cutting machines.
• Proficiency in UHV vacuum handling and technology, vacuum pumps, gas handling and flow systems, building and experimental facility maintenance, coolant systems and maintenance, testing and deployment of scientific equipment and apparatus, including high power electrical plasma systems.
• Demonstrated experience with SolidWorks CAD.
• Graduation from high school or a general education diploma and five years of technical and craft experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge necessary to begin independent application of principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments.
• Effective organizational abilities and decision-making to prioritize work assignments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. Excellent communication skills to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barriers.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills including tact, good judgment, diplomacy and flexibility to professionally interact with a diverse scientific academic researchers, professional staff, students and vendors.

Special Conditions

• Job offer is contingent on satisfactory completion of Background Check.
• Occasional evenings and weekends and/or overnight domestic or international travel may be required.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $73,435 - $88,489 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $35.17 - $42.38

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).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace