Postdoctoral recruitment • United States
UC San Diego Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars Search
Eligibility, application documents and research-unit guidance for JPF04451.
Review date has passed: Applications remain accepted, but consideration after the review date depends on positions remaining unfilled. This is an open search across Organized Research Units, not a guaranteed placement.
Search overview and dates
| Institution / location | University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | Postdoctoral Scholars — Multi-Disciplinary (2026), JPF04451 |
| Most recent review | 6 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific time |
| Final submission date | 2 April 2027, 11:59 p.m. Pacific time |
| Posted salary estimate | US$69,073–82,836 annually, depending on experience |
| Duration | Project- and funding-dependent; total postdoctoral service limited to five years, including service elsewhere |
The recruitment links a salary table effective October 2025. That table presents annual experience-based minima; it is not evidence of a universal take-home salary. Confirm the scale applicable when an appointment is made.
Eligibility and application documents
A doctoral or equivalent terminal degree is required at application in Engineering, Physics, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Biology, Computer Science or a closely related field relevant to the specialty/unit.
Upload a current CV, cover letter and research statement. Supply contact information for three referees. Application help: oru-assistant@ucsd.edu.
Understanding the research-unit context
UC San Diego’s Organized Research Units support research spanning departments and divisions. Its directory includes the Center for Energy Research, Institute for Neural Computation, Center for Circadian Biology, Center for Memory and Recording Research, Institute of Engineering in Medicine and Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind.
These examples help explain the research environment. Inclusion in the directory does not establish that a specific laboratory has funding or a vacancy under this search.
CareerAidHub editorial advice: identify the scientific question and methods that connect your experience to a relevant unit. Read recent work by potential research groups before describing fit. A broad disciplinary match is only a starting point.
How to prepare a focused application
The following suggestions are CareerAidHub guidance, not additional university requirements.
- Review the live notice. Check whether the status, review date or document requirements have changed.
- Choose a research direction. Identify the specialty you can contribute to and the evidence supporting that fit.
- Prepare the CV. Distinguish completed work from manuscripts under review. Explain your role in collaborative projects and list relevant technical skills accurately.
- Tailor the cover letter. Connect your experience to the research context. Avoid making claims about available projects or resources that a unit has not confirmed.
- Write the research statement. Explain your previous contributions, proposed questions, methods and feasible next steps. Address what you would need to begin the work.
- Coordinate with referees. Confirm consent to share their details and check that their contact information is current.
- Submit through Recruit. Retain the acknowledgement and monitor the portal and your email for follow-up.
Questions to resolve before accepting an offer
Ask about the project, supervisor, funding period, expected outputs, start date, salary placement and benefits. Overseas candidates should clarify immigration support. Review these matters against the written offer rather than inferring them from an open search.
Career Accelerator Program
CareerAidHub’s independent Career Accelerator Program offers academic CV and cover-letter feedback, research-statement feedback, opportunity mapping, mentoring and outreach planning. Enquiries: coaxialedu@gmail.com.
Applicants remain responsible for their own submissions and compliance with university rules on outside assistance. CareerAidHub does not represent UC San Diego or guarantee an interview, appointment, funding or visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a single named laboratory vacancy?
The notice is a multidisciplinary open search. Do not assume that every unit in the research directory is hiring through it.
Has the review deadline passed?
Yes. See the date table above and the conditional consideration rule before applying.
Are recommendation letters required at submission?
The listing asks for three referee contacts, rather than letters at this stage.
Can I apply before receiving my doctorate?
The stated basic qualification must be met at application. Seek clarification if your award is pending.
Is the listed salary guaranteed for every applicant?
No. Confirm the applicable scale, experience level and written offer with the hiring unit.
Does submission guarantee an interview?
No. Treat submission as an application for consideration, not an appointment commitment.
Is visa sponsorship confirmed?
The notice does not establish a sponsorship commitment. Ask the hiring unit about eligibility and immigration support for your circumstances.
Should I email instead of applying online?
Use the official Recruit application route. Direct procedural questions to the listed help contact.
