Skip to main content

Postdoctoral Researcher: Multi-objective planning for ecosystem services, biodiversity and economic development

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

We seek a researcher who will be based at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) in Santa Barbara to participate in the project, “Land-use Change and Conservation Policy in Brazil and the US for Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Economic Returns.” The project, funded through Science for Nature and People (SNAP), will develop and apply spatially explicit, integrated models of land-use change, habitat for biodiversity, ecosystem service provision and economic productivity in Brazil and the United States with the goal of identifying spatial arrangements of land use that are optimal with respect to multiple objectives. The project is led by Dr. Stephen Polasky (University of Minnesota), Dr. Derric Pennington (World Wildlife Fund), Dr. Joe Fargione (The Nature Conservancy), Dr. Carlos Cesar Durigan (Wildlife Conservation Society), and Dr. Andrew Plantinga (University of California, Santa Barbara), and involves a multi-disciplinary working group with participants from the U.S. and Brazil. The successful applicant will work within the group to 1) assemble data on land use, determinants of land use, and ecosystem services, 2) develop land-use models, 3) integrate land-use models with models of ecosystem service provision, 4) write research papers, 5) interact with working group participants, and 6) organize the content of and help to facilitate working group meetings. Dr. Andrew Plantinga at UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Science and Management will serve as the immediate supervisor and mentor. This full time position offers competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. The initial appointment is for 18 months with the possibility of an additional 6 months.
SNAP is a collaborative venture of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) to create a fundamentally different way to identify and tackle large-scale ecological challenges that threaten the integrity of nature and human well-being (www.snap.is).
Required Qualifications:
•PhD in ecology, geography, economics, regional planning, operations research, or other relevant field
•Strong spatial analytical skills
•Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•Outstanding organizational skills
•Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team
Desired Qualifications
•Experience developing and/or familiarity with using complex databases
•Familiarity with Amazonian forest ecosystems or North American sagebrush steppe ecosystems
Required Documents to Apply
Curriculum Vitae: Your most recently updated C.V.
One-page statement of research interests
List of References: 3 non-peer references

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: 18 months with the possibility of an additional 6 months.
SALARY RANGE: $50,000/year - $58,000/year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

POSITION AVAILABLE: July 1, 2015.

TO APPLY: Please apply through UC Recruit

CLOSING DATE: June 18, 2015. 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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and 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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Research

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)