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Postdoctoral Researcher - Low carbon transitions of energy systems

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Position overview

Salary range: Competitive with other universities and commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications. Full benefits package included.
Percent time: Full-time
Anticipated start: Start date would be as soon as the position is filled.
Position duration: The duration of the initial appointment is 12 months, with reappointment for another 12 months based on performance and availability of funding.

Position description

The Clean Energy Transformation Lab (CETlab -- https://cetlab.es.ucsb.edu/) at the University of California Santa Barbara invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position to lead research in modeling low-carbon electricity systems. The CETlab focuses on low carbon and just transitions in energy systems by applying energy systems modeling, empirical analyses, and social science research methods. Ongoing CETlab projects are focused on understanding and supporting clean energy transitions in the United States, India, and Sub-saharan Africa through modeling and development of decision-support tools. Lab projects include the Multi-criteria Analysis for Planning Renewable Energy (MapRE) initiative, a spatial analysis platform for planning renewable energy deployment, and GridPath, an electricity system planning and operations analysis platform. The postdoctoral scholar will lead at least two related research tracks modeling low-carbon electricity systems: the first track examines the low-carbon electricity sector transition and its equity impacts in India; the second track offers flexibility in designing a new project that contributes to the development and application of the GridPath capacity expansion and production cost modeling platform, with a potential application to the U.S. electricity system using open-source data sets. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications, give oral presentations, and develop policy briefs and reports to funders and agencies. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with Ranjit Deshumukh as well as with CETlab graduate students, postdocs, and lab collaborators.

The university is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must hold a PhD in engineering, interdisciplinary energy studies, or a related field.

Preferred qualifications

The ideal candidate will have domain knowledge in energy studies, power systems, renewable energy grid integration, and optimization models.

Extensive experience with managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets and strong programming skills especially in Python is preferred. Strong scientific writing and presentation skills are essential.

An interest in and track record of publishing in top academic journals is preferred.

The ideal candidate should also have strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with academic, NGO and government partners, and to work effectively as part of a highly collaborative research team.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • One to three writing samples of published material

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

The candidate that advances as a finalist will be notified that their references will be contacted.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02132

Help contact: rdeshmukh@ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, 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.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA