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Assistant Professional Researcher - Yaghi Lab/Department of Chemistry

Position overview
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t13-b.pdf
The current base salary range for this position is $93,400-$122,100. "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.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: May 2026

Position duration: Initial two year appointment with possible reappointment dependent on performance, project needs, and budget

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 Omar Yaghi Research Group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, seeks an Assistant Professional Researcher, who will apply their deep expertise in reticular chemistry and COF synthesis to lead advanced independent research in the design and characterization of framework materials.

The successful candidate will conduct high-level, independent research that makes creative and significant contributions to the field, particularly in the synthesis and structural elucidation of single-crystal COFs. Use of techniques such as PXRD, SXRD, TEM, solid-state NMR, FTIR, and gas adsorption analysis will be required to comprehensively assess material properties and performance.

The researcher will also lead ongoing efforts in air carbon capture, developing COFs and MOFs optimized for CO uptake, selectivity, and regeneration efficiency.

The researcher will play a leadership role in recruiting, mentoring, and guiding students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment. This position also involves contributing to the management of group affairs and advancing the broader mission of the Yaghi Research Group.

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
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD or equivalent international degree.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• 5 years or more of postdoctoral equivalent experience

Preferred qualifications

• PhD or equivalent international degree in Chemistry
• Expertise in reticular chemistry and COF synthesis, single-crystal characterization, PXRD, SXRD, TEM, solid-state NMR, FTIR, and gas adsorption analysis
• A track record of pioneering research in reticular chemistry, demonstrated by impactful publications and/or patents that advance the frontiers of the field.
• A strong command of advanced analytical methods, and a history of innovation in the synthesis of functional framework materials
• Demonstrated strengths in communication, teamwork, and organization

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05216

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

Job location
Berkeley, CA


To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05216