Postdoctoral Position Ecological Modeling Jobs in California

Position description
DESCRIPTION
The Gulf Ecosystem Initiative (GEI), a partnership between the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and The NOAA RESTORE Science Program seeks to fill a postdoctoral position focused on addressing critical, interdisciplinary, environmental questions in the Gulf of America (formerly the Gulf of Mexico, hereafter the Gulf). As a GEI postdoc you will be joining a dynamic and growing cohort of postdoctoral fellows for a two-year research position based at NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California.
BACKGROUND
The Gulf Ecosystem Initiative is a partnership designed to engage the Gulf research community in tackling pressing scientific and societal challenges focused around three emerging research themes: fisheries; climate change; and the ecological impact of management actions.
Located at NCEAS, this postdoc position will offer you opportunities to not only conduct your own independent research, but also participate in the research of one or more funded synthesis science working groups currently being solicited (to be awarded by May 2026). You will split your time between supporting and collaborating with one or more working groups and developing your own independent synthesis project focused on a specific challenge facing the Gulf. Information about the working groups and postdocs funded in our 2023 cohort , 2024 cohort , and 2025 cohort can be found on our website. This position will give you significant opportunities to maximize the impact of your research and to work at the interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions. As a postdoc at NCEAS you will be welcomed into the vibrant and inclusive community at NCEAS and will be well supported by a community of postdocs and resident researchers. You will have access to our Learning Hub trainings and other resources for professional development.
Your proposed independent research project should focus on leveraging and reusing existing data to develop synthesis products around one or more of the initiative's three key research themes: fisheries; climate change, and the ecological impact of management actions. Within the fisheries theme, research should be aimed at utilizing the wealth of long-term fisheries and environmental datasets available across the Gulf to elucidate linkages between various fisheries and related ecological and social drivers. Climate change focused activities are expected to leverage large climate data sets as well as downscaled climate models to analyze climate change impacts in the Gulf and produce an ecosystem perspective that can inform future management and policy responses. And the ecological impact of management action-focused research should address a previous, recurring, or ongoing management action occurring in the Gulf and produce greater understanding around the system-wide impacts of those actions. Coproduction of synthesis products with working groups, practitioners, and stakeholders across the Gulf is highly encouraged.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research related to the GEI synthesis working groups (50% time)

• This postdoctoral researcher will participate in the work of one or more Gulf Ecosystem Initiative synthesis working groups, as appropriate based on experience and interest.

Independent research focused on the Gulf (50% of time)

• This postdoctoral researcher will be afforded significant time to pursue their own research interests, publish independent research in peer reviewed journals, and attend scientific conferences.

RESIDENCY AT NCEAS:
NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. The Center is known for fostering interaction and collaboration, a characteristic that leads to the success of its scientists. NCEAS has a growing and thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and a frequent influx of leading scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in working group projects across a diverse range of initiatives. NCEAS is also a leader in data science training, offering courses and expertise in reproducible workflows, data infrastructure, and team science. We expect that postdocs will contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the intellectual atmosphere. The postdoc should anticipate spending the vast majority of their time in residence at the Center and will have the opportunity to travel to relevant national and international events and conferences, with a special focus on meeting and networking opportunities in the Gulf region. Relationship building with Gulf-based researchers will also be accelerated by opportunities for postdocs to establish a regionally-based research mentor from NOAA, BOEM, USFWS or other relevant agencies.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• At the time of application, applicants must have completed all requirements except the dissertation for a Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, fisheries, climate science, environmental policy or a relevant discipline.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, fisheries, climate science, environmental policy or a relevant discipline at time of hire.

Preferred qualifications

• Strong analytical and modeling skills, including data science, database management, data visualization, etc.
• Strong publication record
• Experience working on subjects related to one or more of three main research themes: fisheries; climate change, and the ecological impact of management actions. Regional knowledge of the Gulf ecosystem and people
• Knowledge in policy, economics, and/or other social science relevant to marine and coastal systems
• Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information
• Ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a research team
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to translate complex scientific information and effectively communicate with a variety of audiences
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills and interest in building broad collaborations
• Experience working with groups outside of academia (agency, industry, NGOs, etc.)

Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - Cover Letter including:
  Interest in the position
  Qualifications related to position
• Statement of Research - A short (3 page) proposal of research you would like to conduct as part of your independent project. We expect projects to primarily be synthesis and analysis research and focused on the Gulf region; the proposal should include a short section setting the context and motivating the work, a main section explaining the research questions and expected methods and data that will be used, and a short final section that addresses expected applied implications of the work.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Name and contact information for three references. The top candidate's references will be contacted before the final job offer.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03026
Help contact: ikclark@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.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA