Skip to main content

Postdoctoral Scholar in the Climate Hazards Center

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar ( in the Climate Hazards Center
Salary range: The posted UC system-wide salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 23 for the salary range at UCSB. “Off-scale salaries”, 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.
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: April - summer 2023
Position duration: The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with a possible two (2) year reappointment based on performance during the year 1 and available funding.

Position description

The Climate Hazards Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an exciting project supported by the US Geological Survey. The project focuses on using forecasts of climate (e.g. rainfall, evaporative demand) and hydrologic (e.g. soil moisture) variables, as well as remotely sensed datasets, and statistical methods such as machine learning to predict agricultural statistics (crop production, crop yields, prices) in food insecure countries and will directly support the famine early warning efforts of USAID’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). The project will have a strong focus on applications and will leverage cutting edge science to support lives and livelihood saving early warning information.

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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD Degree in Statistics, Geography/Remote Sensing, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Hydrology, Environmental science, Earth Science or a related discipline except the dissertation at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

PhD awarded by the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

-Strong expertise in handling, processing and visualizing large spatial vector and gridded, datasets (e.g. remotely sensed and climate/hydrologic forecasts)
-Strong background in applied statistical modeling and machine learning
-Experience with processing and analyzing climate forecasts is strongly preferred. Past experience with downscaling and bias-correction of climate forecasts is desired.
-Ability to implement predictive models (including but not limited to machine learning algorithms) based on gridded datasets (e.g. remotely sensed or climate/hydrologic forecasts, time series, and/or panel datasets).
-Fluency in programming languages such as R or Python.
-Demonstrated ability to make reproducible code for cleaning, integrating, and modeling spatial/temporal data from multiple sources, spatial scales, and temporal frequencies.
-Interest and experience in applied sciences
-Proven record of independently leading research projects, conducting reproducible research, publishing journal articles and presenting at international and national conferences.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research - Please provide a research statement on how your research experience and interest can contribute to food insecurity early warning efforts.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

References will be contacted for final candidate(s) by email and/or phone, requesting one (or more) of the following: discussion over email or phone, letter of recommendation.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02397

Help contact: sarahdahl@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