The Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) is an Army-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The ICB is a uniquely interdisciplinary research alliance led by the University of California, Santa Barbara, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the California Institute of Technology, and partners from the Army and industry.

ICB research is driven by more than 50 premier faculty working together with graduate students, project scientists, specialists, and professional researchers as interdisciplinary teams of biologists, chemists, physicists, psychologists, physicians, social scientists, and engineers. These teams develop biologically inspired, revolutionary technological innovations in systems and synthetic biology, materials science and engineering, biotechnology tools and cognitive neuroscience.

The ICB is actively seeking Junior Specialists to commit effort on ICB projects. This is a large, pooled recruitment covering many disciplines and research foci. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed through September 30, 2026. The number of positions varies depending on the needs of the department. The use of a pooled recruitment does not guarantee that an open position exists at the time you are applying. Positions may range from part-time to full-time.

Junior Specialists enable research as part of a team. Appointees to the Specialist series engage in specialized research, professional activity, and University and/or public service. Specialists use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community.

The ICB has a vast research portfolio, indicated by (but not limited to) the following to projects and disciplines:

• Systems and synthetic biology
• Control and dynamical systems
• Photonic and electronic materials
• Electronic materials and devices
• Cellular structural materials
• Biotechnology and biotechnology tools
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Psychological and brain sciences
• Medical
• Biomedical
• Nanofluidics and microfluidics
• Biomimetics and biofilms
• Social media analysis and predictive modeling
• Molecular, cellular, ecosystems, marine science, and biology research
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Materials
• Computer Science
• Chemistry and biochemistry
• Microfabrication
• Nanofabrication
• Atomic force
• Microscopy
• Microfluidics
• Physics
• Computer Science

The ICB has other pooled recruitments that may be of interest to potential applicants, including:
Assistant and Associate Specialists
https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03009
Project Scientists
https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03010

Appointees must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or have a bachelor's degree at the time of application.

Appointees are required to have a bachelor's degree in hand by the time of appointment.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• 3 required (contact information only)

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 for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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

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.