Postdoctoral Scholar in the Climate Hazards Center
Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar ( in the Climate Hazards CenterPosition 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.
Unit: https://www.chc.ucsb.edu/
Department: https://www.geog.ucsb.edu/
Qualifications
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.
PhD awarded by the time of appointment.
-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
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)
- 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.
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.