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Assistant Project Scientist - Yaghi Lab/Department of Chemistry
Position overview
Position title: Assistant Project ScientistThe current base salary range for this position is $76,700 –$97,600. "Off-scale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Application Window
Open date: January 5, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Feb 5, 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 Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley seeks an Assistant Project Scientist to join the Omar Yaghi Lab, a world-leading group in reticular chemistry and the development of crystalline porous materials, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to high-impact publications and collaborations.
Key Responsibilities
Lead independent and collaborative research projects on the design, synthesis, and structural characterization of MOFs, COFs, and related materials.
Explore functional applications including gas storage, molecular separations, catalysis, and photochemical processes.
Develop and optimize synthetic methodologies and advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and microscopy.
Mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers, guiding experimental design, technical skill development, and professional growth.
Coordinate multi-group and interdisciplinary collaborations within and beyond the lab.
Prepare manuscripts, presentations, grant materials, and intellectual property disclosures.
Contribute to lab management, training programs, and overall scientific leadership in the Yaghi Lab.
This role is ideal for a highly motivated scientist seeking to advance the frontiers of functional materials, lead innovative research programs, and play a central role in mentoring and scientific leadership at a world-class research institution.
Lab: https://yaghi.berkeley.edu/
Department: https://chemistry.berkeley.edu/chem
Union contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/
Qualifications
PhD or equivalent international degree
- 2 years or more of postdoctoral equivalent experience
PhD or equivalent international degree in Chemistry with strong expertise in synthetic and structural chemistry
Expertise in reticular chemistry and MOF/COF synthesis, single-crystal characterization, PXRD, SXRD, TEM, solid-state NMR, FTIR, and gas adsorption analysis
Proven ability to lead independent research projects and mentor researchers at multiple career stages
Strong communication skills, including writing, presentations, and collaborative interactions.
Experience with advanced materials characterization techniques is highly desirable
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: k.mao@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
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.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
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
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment