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Market-Based Conservation and Environmental Economics Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara
Position overview
Position title: Market-Based Conservation and Environmental Economics Postdoctoral ResearcherApplication Window
Open date: November 5, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Saturday, Jul 31, 2027 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) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead in the design and on-the-water pilot of market-based conservation mechanisms, such as payments for ecosystem services, to reduce catch of endangered species (turtles, sharks, and other sensitive species) by fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. Work will be completed in collaboration with emLab Directors, along with Conservation International’s (CI) field teams, local management agencies, and fishers in Latin America. This position is part of the UCSB-CI Arnhold Climate Solutions Collaborative, a partnership focused on conducting cutting-edge applied research and developing tangible, progressive solutions.
The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) is a team of scientists based at UC Santa Barbara that advances economic research to deliver practical solutions for people and the planet. In collaboration with implementing partners, we design, test, and implement scalable solutions that work across boundaries—connecting science with policy, data with decisions, and ambition with action—to create pathways toward a future where environmental and human well being mutually reinforce one another. We endeavor to foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment to bring interdisciplinary expertise to solve critical environmental problems.
The postdoctoral researcher will work with emLab and can also allocate a fraction of their time to their own research.
Qualifications
Applicants must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. (or equivalent) except the dissertation in economics with a focus in environmental and resource economics, or a closely related discipline, at the time of application.
PhD in economics with a focus in environmental and resource economics, or a closely related field.
● A minimum of 3 years of academic or applied research experience in econometric methods and/or economic theory related to natural resource management, fisheries, incentive design, or payments for ecosystem services;
● Familiarity with fisheries economics, fisheries, or marine conservation;
● Excellent quantitative and modeling skills including advanced coding in R, Stata, Python, and/or Matlab;
● An interest and track record in publishing in top academic journals;
● Experience with field-based or stakeholder-engaged research, such as co-design with fishers and communities;
● Proficiency using GitHub and other modern data management, sharing, and presentation interfaces;
● Proficiency with LaTeX;
● Ability to balance a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously;
● Excellent communication skills to contribute to reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications, deliver presentations, and translate scientific concepts for diverse audiences;
● Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with academic, NGO, and government partners, and to work effectively as part of a highly collaborative research team;
● Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including to field sites and partner meetings in Latin America;
● Professional proficiency in Spanish and English is a plus.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Writing Sample - Submit paper or other writing sample
- 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.
Help contact: lswanson@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.