Navigating Faculty Positions at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a leading public research university renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to advancing knowledge. This article provides a comprehensive overview of faculty positions at UCLA, outlining the requirements, opportunities, and the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Faculty Positions Overview

UCLA offers a variety of faculty positions across its diverse departments and schools. These positions generally fall into two main categories: tenure-track positions and lecturer positions.

Tenure-Track Positions

Tenure-track positions are designed for individuals with a strong commitment to research and teaching. These positions offer the possibility of tenure, which provides job security and academic freedom. The Computer Science Department of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at UCLA, for example, actively seeks applicants for tenure-track positions in all areas of Computer Science. These positions are also open to distinguished candidates at senior levels.

Lecturer Positions

Lecturer positions, also known as Teaching Professor positions, are permanent positions analogous to tenure-track, with Academic Senate membership. These positions focus primarily on teaching and curriculum development. Lecturers are expected to participate in the governance and management of the university’s educational program through committee service, curriculum development, and administration.

General Requirements for Faculty Positions

While specific requirements may vary depending on the department and school, some general qualifications apply to most faculty positions at UCLA.

Educational Qualifications

A Ph.D. is a basic qualification requirement for many faculty positions, particularly those in research-oriented departments. For instance, to teach and conduct research in specialized areas of computer science, a Ph.D. in computer science and college-level teaching experience is required. For positions in the Health Sciences, an M.D. degree or equivalent is typically required.

Research and Teaching Experience

Applicants should have a strong commitment to both research and teaching. An outstanding record of research is expected for their level of seniority. Experience in teaching, research, or community service is valued, especially experiences that contribute to a campus climate that supports equality and diversity.

Specific Areas of Interest

Departments often seek candidates with expertise in specific areas relevant to their research and teaching priorities. For example, the Computer Science Department has primary areas of interest in artificial intelligence, computer system architecture & CAD, computational systems biology, graphics and vision, information and data management, network systems, software systems, and computer science theory.

Additional Requirements

Some positions may require additional qualifications, such as board certification in a relevant medical specialty or completion of a fellowship program. For example, candidates for the Director of Labor & Delivery position must be board certified or eligible in the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and in the subspecialty of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM).

The Application Process

The application process for faculty positions at UCLA typically involves submitting a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and other supporting documents.

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Required Documents

Commonly required documents include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive overview of the applicant's academic and professional history.
Cover Letter: A statement of interest in the position and a summary of the applicant's qualifications.
Statement of Research: A description of the applicant's research interests and accomplishments.
Statement of Teaching: A description of the applicant's teaching experience and philosophy.
Reference Check Authorization Release Form: A form authorizing UCLA to contact the applicant's references.
Scholarly Writing Sample: A sample that best represents the kind of work the applicant plans to do in the future.

References

Applicants are typically required to provide the contact information for 3-5 references. Letters of reference may not be required at the initial application stage, but finalists may be asked to provide them.

Authorization to Release Information

Applicants for Academic Senate faculty positions must complete, sign, and upload the form entitled “Authorization to Release Information” into RECRUIT as part of their application. This form allows UCLA to conduct targeted employment reference checks to ensure compliance with the University’s Faculty Code of Conduct.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for faculty positions at UCLA varies depending on the rank, step, and department.

Salary Scales

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. For example, the salary range for a Health Sciences Clinical Professor position can range from $250,000 to $350,000. The salary range for positions in the School of Law can range from Step 2 to Step 4 ($205,700-$228,100). The salary range for other positions can range from $120,000 to $232,100.

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Off-Scale Salaries

"Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. Formal negotiations for the appointment of an individual at an Above-Scale salary may be initiated only with the prior approval of the Chancellor.

Benefits

UCLA offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. Some positions, such as those in the Health Sciences, may include membership in a health sciences compensation plan, which provides for eligibility for additional compensation.

UCLA's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

UCLA is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, bullying and other demeaning behavior, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Addressing Imbalances

The University of California has embarked upon a vigorous program to remedy imbalances in the racial and sexual composition of its student body and staff. The UCLA Computer Science Department is strongly committed to supporting this policy by making every effort to attract qualified minorities and women to its graduate student body, faculty, administrative staff and research staff.

Outreach and Counseling

The department endeavors to widely publicize all openings for employment so as to bring them to the attention of interested minorities and women. In addition, potential students and employees falling into these categories are given special counseling and advice to facilitate their entrance into the university community.

Faculty in Residence Program

UCLA offers a unique Faculty in Residence (FIR) program, where faculty members live in on-campus apartments and engage with students in residential communities.

Responsibilities

FIRs collaborate with Resident Assistants (RA), Living Learning Communities (LLC), and other Residential Life staff in programing and events. They teach Fiat Lux courses and engage in casual social and residential community events.

Qualifications

Competitive candidates will bring to UCLA a passion for working with students, a strong commitment to student development, and excitement for fostering community. A full-time appointment at UCLA is required, and regularly teaching undergraduate students is preferred. Academic Senate Member is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Faculty-in-Residence are offered a 3-year appointment (subject to annual review), this appointment could be renewed up to two times. They devote 12 hours/week to the FIR program and receive an unfurnished on-campus apartment (pet-friendly) with utilities and internet, 10 meals/week meal plan provided when UCLA dining is in service, and a parking allotment paid for by the FIR.

Important Notices

UCLA provides important notices regarding various policies and regulations.

Clery Act

The Clery Act requires universities to disclose information about campus crime statistics and security policies.

Sexual Harassment Information

UCLA provides information about its policies and procedures for addressing sexual harassment.

Whistleblower Notice and Policy

UCLA has a whistleblower policy to protect individuals who report suspected wrongdoing.

Conflicts of Interest and Outside Activities

UCLA has policies in place to address conflicts of interest and outside activities of its employees.

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