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Postdoctoral Scholar - Low carbon transitions of energy systems, Environmental Market Labs, Marine Science Institute, UCSB

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Low carbon transitions of energy systems
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. A reasonable estimate for this position is $64,480-$77,327. “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, 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: The position start date is negotiable and ideally is anticipated to start in July 2024 or later.
Position duration: Initial appointment for 2 year with the possibility of (up to) a one year reappointment.

Application Window

Open date: February 9, 2024

Most recent review date: Monday, Mar 18, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab - https://emlab.ucsb.edu) and Clean Energy Transformation Lab (CETlab -- https://cetlab.es.ucsb.edu/) at the University of California Santa Barbara invite applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position to lead research in low-carbon and just transitions in electricity systems in India and other regions. Efforts will include developing operations and planning models of electricity systems, spatial analysis of generation resources, load forecasting, and climate and health impacts analysis. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and open-source modeling software, present research findings to a diverse group of stakeholders, conduct training of stakeholders, and develop policy briefs and reports for funders and agencies. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with the PI, Ranjit Deshmukh, as well as with emLab and CETlab graduate students, postdocs, and lab collaborators.

The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) is an interdisciplinary team of scientists based at UC Santa Barbara that conducts cutting-edge, data-driven research on the power, limitations, and design of market-based approaches to tackle the world's most pressing environmental problems. In collaboration with implementing partners, emLab aims to better align environmental objectives and economic incentives in support of sustainable livelihoods and a resilient planet. 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.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Full benefits package included. Postdoctoral benefits are included (https://c2mb.ajg.com/uc/home/).

Position is open until filled.

The Department 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 Ph.D. (or equivalent) except the dissertation in engineering, interdisciplinary energy studies, or a related field at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

PhD in engineering, interdisciplinary energy studies, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

● 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.
● Strong scientific writing, presentation skills, and interest in and track record of publishing in top academic journals is preferred.
● 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

  • Paper or other writing sample

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

The search committee will contact references of the top candidate(s) after the interviews. After references are checked, a top candidate will be chosen.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02692

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, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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