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Postdoctoral Researcher in Land/Seascape Ecology, Marine Science Institute, UCSB

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Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Researcher
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: The anticipated start date is ideally June 1, 2022
Position duration: May 31, 2023, with the possibility for a second year of appointment contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Position description

The Marine Science Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara, seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in Land/Seascape Ecology to examine connections between land use change, anthropogenic stressors, and coral reef health on Moorea, French Polynesia. The Postdoctoral Researcher would work closely with Drs. Deron Burkepile and Tom Adam at UC Santa Barbara, Dr. Mary Donovan at Arizona State University, and other investigators in the Moorea Coral Reef Long Term Ecological Research Program. We seek a candidate with a background in landscape ecology, the dynamics of land use change, and the impact of land use change on ecosystems. Experience with Geographic Information Systems, geographical sciences, spatial statistics, and land-use change analyses are preferred. Although the focus of this research is on the impact of land use change on near-shore coral reef ecosystems, no prior experience in coral reef ecology or marine ecology is required. We encourage scientists with backgrounds in different ecosystems (e.g., tropical forests, seagrass ecosystems, etc.) but with experience in similar ecological concepts to apply. Principle duties would include analysis of satellite imagery to quantify land use change over time, and analyses of spatially-explicit datasets on nutrient availability. These will then be combined with existing data on coral/algal cover and fish communities in marine environments to understand land-sea connections. Writing and publishing results in peer-reviewed manuscripts is expected. Additionally, the Postdoctoral Researcher would ideally contribute to field work gathering data on shallow coral reefs. However, no prior experience with marine field work is required, and all field work would be conducted on snorkel with no SCUBA diving experience required.

Special Conditions
• Valid Passport
• Ability and willingness to travel to work with collaborators at their home institutions within the US as well as to assist with field work in Moorea, French Polynesia.
• The position will be located on the UCSB campus and field research will occur in Moorea, French Polynesia.

Full benefit package is included.

Position is open until filled.

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

Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD program (or equivalent) except the dissertation in ecology, geography, marine science or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

The applicant must have a doctoral degree in ecology, geography, marine science, or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in Geographic Information Systems
• Experience in spatial statistics
• Experience coding in R or Python
• Experience in land use change modelling
• Ability to manage, analyze, and synthesize data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience with outreach, mentoring, and supervising others
• Experience communicating science to a non-expert audience
• Willingness to conduct field work on shallow coral reefs using snorkel
• Willingness to conduct field work from small boats
• Conversational French

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - Please provide a cover letter stating research accomplishments and interests.

  • Publication 1 - Provide PDF copy of published peer-reviewed scientific papers or of manuscripts in progress.

  • Publication 2 - Provide PDF copy of published peer-reviewed scientific papers or of manuscripts in progress.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

The search committee would like to request references after creating a short list of the top candidates and before the interview.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02169

Help contact: lswanson@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