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Nature-based Compliance Market Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara
Position overview
Position title: Nature-based Compliance Market Postdoctoral ResearcherApplication Window
Open date: November 13, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Dec 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 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 development and execution of applied research projects in environmental and resource economics. In partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, emLab is building a research program that provides a vision for how carbon markets can more effectively incentivize climate change mitigation in nature. Illustrative examples of research questions that might fit into this portfolio include: (i) What are the potential efficiency gains from the implementation of cap and trade programs covering emissions from natural and managed ecosystems?; (ii) How do weak property rights influence land use? and (iii) How could carbon markets support investments in wildfire prevention? The successful candidate will contribute to this portfolio with research focused on natural resource management and nature-based climate 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 wellbeing 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 or nature-based solutions;
● 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;
● 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.
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.