Planetary Assistant Specialist (Assistant Specialist) Salary range: A reasonable estimate for a full-time annual salary for this position is $70,000. Percent time: Variable, 50% - 100% time. Anticipated start: As soon as possible after initial review of the applications. Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding. Application Window Open date: May 30, 2026 Next review date: Monday, Jun 29, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Monday, Aug 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm (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 Telus Lab in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a Planetary Assistant Specialist. Under the supervision of Associate Professor Myriam Telus, the assistant specialist will conduct data analysis for optical and electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, (or related techniques) of primitive meteorites. The position’s duties include substantial writing; data analyses, including statistical analyses; and computer modeling. This position requires meeting weekly with the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Myriam Telus, to assess progress toward project goals defined by the PI. This position may require some domestic travel. The corresponding business-related travel expenses will be covered by the hiring unit. The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position. UCSC Earth and Planetary Sciences Department: Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted) PhD. (or equivalent foreign degree) in earth and planetary sciences, or a related field such as geochemistry, geophysics and seismology, astrophysics, etc. A minimum of five years’ experience with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) data collection and data analyses. A minimum of five years’ experience with meteorite sample preparation for EBSD analyses. A minimum of five years’ experience with optical microscopy data collection and data analyses. A minimum of five years’ experience with isotope geochemistry data collection and data analyses. Demonstrated experience publishing research articles (at least one publication must be in a scientific journal on the subject of petrology or geochemistry of meteorites). Demonstrated experience with implementation of statistical modeling.