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Postdoctoral Scholar with the Photon Informed Ecology Lab in the Geography Department
Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral ScholarApplication Window
Open date: February 24, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, May 1, 2026 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 Department of Geography, at the University of California, Santa Barbara seeks to hire a qualified candidate for a postdoctoral scholar to join Zoe Pierrat’s Photon Informed Ecology Lab (PIE Lab).
The postdoctoral scholar will engage in research at the intersection of remote sensing, ecosystem science, and climate-ecosystem interactions and will contribute to projects focused on multi-scale observations of ecosystem carbon and water fluxes. The position is well-suited for a candidate seeking to develop independent research ideas aligned with one or more of the following PIE lab themes:
Remote sensing of vegetation stress and function: Integrating remote sensing data across scales to diagnose changes in plant physiological status, water use, productivity, and resilience under heat and drought stress.
Methodological development of remote sensing data products: Including cross-
sensor harmonization, uncertainty characterization of existing metrics, algorithmic improvement for ET and GPP products, development of novel remote sensing products.
Leveraging remote sensing for societally relevant applications: Using remote
sensing data products and derived data products to inform water resource
management, land-use planning, climate adaptation strategies, or other environmental decision making.
This position is well suited for candidates interested in leveraging remote sensing data across scales (i.e., proximal-airborne-satellite) and harmonizing data from spaceborne instruments including: ECOSTRESS, Orbiting Carbon Observatory, EMIT, GEDI (among others). The appointee may work on one or multiple additional ongoing lab projects, depending on interests and past experience as well as collaborate with researchers across campus in ecological modeling, plant physiology, hydrology, environmental science and management, mechanical engineering, computer science, among others.
The postdoctoral scholar will also be encouraged to take advantage of professional development opportunities available at UC Santa Barbara and through collaborations, meeting attendance, management workshop participation, etc.
Qualifications
Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD Degree in Geography or a related discipline except the dissertation at the time of application.
Applicant must hold a PhD in Earth Systems Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology, Biology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field by time of appointment (June 1, 2026 or later).
Applicant must hold a valid US drivers license. (Candidate will be involved with fieldwork which will require driving out to Sedgwick Reserve).
Prior research experience in one or more of the following: Collection of proximal remote sensing data; conducting field research, particularly leading and planning field excursions; Analysis of satellite or airborne remote sensing data; processing ecosystem flux data.
Familiarity with carbon-water coupling, vegetation physiology, drought impacts, land-atmosphere interactions, or plant pathology.
Interest in interdisciplinary research that connects ecosystem science with societal or environmental decision-making.
Prior experience mentoring students or contributing to collaborative research teams.
Strong writing and oral communication skills/experience
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research - Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to include a 2-4 page statement of research outlining previous work, goals for postdoctoral research, and why the PIE lab is a good fit for their research objectives
(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: lucy.lopez@geog.ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Additionally, 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.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.