Current University of California Postdoctoral Positions 2026: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside & UC Merced
These universities offer excellent opportunities across engineering, agriculture, medicine, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, social sciences, and many other disciplines.
Important: Most University of California postdoctoral positions are advertised on a rolling basis, meaning applications remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Applicants should apply as early as possible.
1. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
UC Davis is internationally recognized for its excellence in agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, biological sciences, engineering, and public health.
The university recruits postdoctoral researchers for projects funded by the NIH, NSF, USDA, DOE, and many other agencies.
Research Areas
Agriculture
Plant Science
Food Science
Veterinary Medicine
Environmental Science
Biomedical Engineering
Animal Science
Climate Research
Public Health
Genetics
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.
Strong research experience.
Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Ability to work independently.
Application Deadline
Rolling Applications
Most laboratories review applications continuously.
Official Careers Website
2. University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
UC Irvine is one of the fastest-growing research universities in the United States and offers numerous postdoctoral opportunities across science, medicine, engineering, and computing.
Research Areas
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
Cancer Biology
Neuroscience
Public Health
Chemistry
Physics
Data Science
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Eligibility
Applicants should possess:
PhD in a relevant discipline.
Excellent research record.
Strong publication history.
Deadline
Open Until Filled
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Official Careers Website
3. University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) is globally known for interdisciplinary research and innovation, particularly in engineering, materials science, quantum research, and environmental studies.
Research Areas
Materials Science
Physics
Quantum Computing
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Marine Science
Environmental Studies
Computer Science
Chemistry
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
PhD or equivalent degree.
Relevant laboratory or computational research experience.
Strong publication record.
Application Deadline
Rolling Recruitment
Many positions remain open until filled.
Official Careers Website
4. University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz)
UC Santa Cruz is well known for astronomy, genomics, marine science, computer science, and environmental research.
Research Areas
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Marine Biology
Genomics
Ecology
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science
Earth Sciences
Environmental Science
Eligibility
Applicants should possess a completed doctoral degree before the appointment begins.
Deadline
Open Until Filled
Official Careers Website
5. University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside)
UC Riverside offers postdoctoral opportunities across engineering, agriculture, biomedical sciences, chemistry, and environmental research.
Research Areas
Biomedical Sciences
Engineering
Chemistry
Plant Biology
Agricultural Sciences
Environmental Toxicology
Data Science
Microbiology
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
PhD in a relevant field.
Strong technical expertise.
Peer-reviewed publications.
Application Deadline
Rolling Applications
Official Careers Website
6. University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
As the newest campus in the UC system, UC Merced has rapidly expanded its research programs and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Research Areas
Sustainability
Environmental Engineering
Computer Science
Public Health
Data Science
Mechanical Engineering
Cognitive Science
Biological Sciences
Eligibility
Applicants should hold a doctoral degree and demonstrate strong research potential.
Deadline
Open Until Filled
Official Careers Website
https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/
Summary of Current Postdoctoral Positions
| Campus | Major Research Areas | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| UC Davis | Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Genetics | Rolling |
| UC Irvine | AI, Medicine, Engineering | Until Filled |
| UC Santa Barbara | Physics, Quantum Science, Materials Science | Rolling |
| UC Santa Cruz | Astronomy, Marine Science, Genomics | Until Filled |
| UC Riverside | Biomedical Sciences, Agriculture, Chemistry | Rolling |
| UC Merced | Sustainability, Engineering, Data Science | Until Filled |
Who Can Apply?
Most University of California postdoctoral positions are open to qualified applicants from around the world.
Typical requirements include:
PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.
Demonstrated research experience.
Strong publication record.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
International researchers are encouraged to apply, and many positions provide visa sponsorship.
Required Application Documents
Although requirements vary between laboratories, applicants are commonly asked to submit:
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Research Statement
Publication List
Doctoral Degree Certificate (or proof of completion)
Contact information for two or three academic referees
Copies of selected publications (if requested)
Always review the specific vacancy announcement before applying.
Official Application Links
UC Davis Academic Recruitment
UC Irvine Academic Recruit
UC Santa Barbara Academic Recruit
UC Santa Cruz Academic Recruit
UC Riverside Academic Recruit
UC Merced Academic Recruit
https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/
University of California Academic Careers
https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/
Tips Before You Apply
To improve your chances of securing a University of California postdoctoral position:
Apply early because many positions are filled on a rolling basis.
Customize your CV and cover letter for each laboratory.
Emphasize your publications, technical expertise, grants, and collaborative research.
Contact the principal investigator if the job posting welcomes inquiries.
Carefully check that all required documents are included before submission.
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