Position overview
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for the applicable salary scales for this position: Represented Specialist Series Salary Scale AY 2026-27 A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $57,000 - $65,800.
Percent time: 80% expected, up to 100% dependent upon availability and funding
Anticipated start: 07/01/2026
Position duration: 1 year, with possibility of reappointment
Application Window
Open date: June 3, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Jun 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, Jul 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 is seeking to fill a Junior or Assistant Specialist position in the Martin Head-Gordon Lab. Research in the Head-Gordon Lab centers on the development and application of methods that predict the electronic structure of interesting molecules. Exciting progress has occurred over the last decade to the extent that many ground state molecular properties are accurately and routinely calculated. In cases of exotic transient species, theoretical approaches can in fact be the most feasible tool available. We seek to open new classes of chemical problems to study via electronic structure theory. Realization of this goal generally requires the coupling of fundamental quantum mechanics with large scale scientific computing.
Electronic structure theory is broad in scope with existing connections to many branches of experimental chemistry, and the potential for many more. Interesting molecules may range from diatomics through medium sized organic and inorganic species to adsorbate-surface systems. The molecules may be in their ground electronic state or they may be electronically excited. Time-independent properties such as geometric structure and relative energies are often of interest, or we may be concerned with transitions between levels and dynamical processes.
The Junior or Assistant Specialist will perform research on density matrix compression techniques in quantum chemistry, writing code in Python and C++, and gathering results. In addition, they will work on research involving chalcogen bonding, submitting quantum chemistry calculations, and writing a scientific paper.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Academic Researcher Unit (RA) Labor Union : https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/index.html
M. Head-Gordon Group : https://mhggroupberkeley.com/
College of Chemistry : https://chemistry.berkeley.edu/home
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrollment in a Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent international degree) program
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent international degree)
Preferred qualifications
Familiarity with typical laboratory supplies and equipment
Demonstrated experience in an academic research environment
Proven skills in working with standard software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience working with data analysis and coding
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05273
Help contact: [email protected]
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
Job location
Berkeley, CA
To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05273
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