Project Manager of Climate and Plastics Research

FIELD RESEARCHER 3 RP (005246)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_940887

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

3/23/2026 7:10:29 PM

Date Last Edited:

3/23/2026 7:10:24 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1180O

Organization:

LUSKIN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Division Code:

1181D

Division:

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Department:

302000 - LUSKIN CENTER FOR INNOVATION

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_940887

Position Description ID

251447

UC Payroll Title:

FIELD RESEARCHER 3 RP (005246)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RP: Research and Public Service PR

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40060859

Reports to Payroll Title:

ASSOC PROF IN RES-AY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40057949

Department Head Payroll Title:

PROF-AY

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation would like to hire a Project Manager to develop and implement research relevant to plastics and climate change policy, as well as providing cross-cutting support across teams. This will including ongoing plastics policy and equity analysis related to SB54, fire recovery, and potentially energy and transportation projects. Additional assistance with other Center projects and needs may be assigned. Responsibilities include preparing literature reviews, conducting quantitative analyses using modeling tools/software, developing funding proposals, conducting and functionally leading research projects, organizing research findings, supervising graduate student researchers, and writing technical reports and other deliverables involving a high level of expertise and knowledge.

About the Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI): Our mission is to advance effective and equitable solutions to pressing environmental challenges through actionable research that engages UCLA scholars, policymakers, and communities. We often focus on California, one of the world’s largest economies, to support a model of environmental leadership that is relevant globally. Our approach is collaborative. We unite scholars across a wide array of disciplines and engage with hundreds of civic partners who inform and use our research. LCI has influenced dozens of public policies and investments for a more equitable and sustainable future.

It’s an exciting time to join the Luskin Center for Innovation, one of the leading research centers in California advancing environmental equity. You’ll be part of a team of faculty, staff, and graduate students working in collaboration with civic partners, including in communities of color, to advance environmental equity during a critical period for evidence-based environmental action.

Research Project

Management and

Development

1. Conducts and manages complex research tasks utilizing research software (GIS, Stata, Microsoft Excel, Implan 3.0).(E) 2. Researches and assesses technologies and feasibility of their implementation. (E) 3. Analyzes and forecasts potential impacts of existing and potential environmental public policies. (E) 4. Conducts and creates project finance models. (E) 5. Conducts and manages complex research tasks and analysis within the Center's Climate, Energy and Transportation programs (E) 6. Builds complex and automatized reports from public data base in order to  define current patterns and forecast future trends (E) 7. Communicates effectively with funders and partners. (E) 8. Takes the lead on writing technical research reports and project reporting required by the funder and/or partner.

70%

Supervision of Staff

1. Hires and trains new graduate research students. (E) 2. Supervises daily workflow and work accomplishments of support staff to ensure accuracy and compliance with the Center's internal procedures and University policies and procedures. May also supervise more junior project managers(E)

20%

Communications

1. Communicates status of project to Center leadership and affiliate faculty PIs. (E) 2. Presents project outcomes and communicates UCLA capabilities by serving as UCLA Luskin representative to external audiences--including civic leaders such as funders, policymakers, and other project partners--at conferences and meetings. (E) 3. Responsible for content creation to communicate project updates and outcomes with Center comms team to promote that content. (M)

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Public Affairs, Economics and/or equivalent experience/training.

Required

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively, graciously, and professionally with senior administration, faculty, staff and clients. Demonstrated ability to keep confidential various projects and information.

Required

Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate meetings in a professional manner.

Required

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects, meeting deadline requirements in the face of frequent interruptions, and tracking projects in various stages of completion.

Required

Excellent writing skills to prepare communication materials ranging from technical research reports to marketing materials that are analytical, grammatically correct, and if necessary, succinct and contain persuasive recommendations.

Required

Familiarity with UCLA departments, policies, procedures and academic mission.

Preferred

Breadth of knowledge to communicate effectively with academics across campus in related fields.

Required

Extensive knowledge through hands-on use of PC hardware and software programs, such as Windows, Word, e-mail and the Internet.

Required

Expert knowledge of Excel, Access and other databases or analytical software needed to conduct appropriate research.

Required

Ability to understand, construct and develop economic and financial models. Strong knowledge in financial planning and project financing. Good mathematical and financial skills.

Required

Demonstrated skill in use of GIS research software, such as ArcGIS and Stata. Superior analytical and statistical skills, especially applied to economics, environment and financial impacts.

Required

Demonstrated organizational skills with excellent attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to independently follow through on assignments, work effectively under frequent deadlines, handle fluctuating workload, and make logical decisions.

Required

Ability to understand new technologies as well as their development and implementation. Strong knowledge in environmental planning and policy.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

3323 Public Affairs

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

Communication skills

X

Numerical skills

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.