Postdoctoral Position Ecological Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Scholar - Agrivoltaics Systems Analysis and Modeling

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table 23 for the salary history range. A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073-$82,836.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Start date would be as soon as the position is filled.

Position duration: The duration of the appointment is two years.

Application Window: Open date: February 9, 2026 Most recent review date: Friday, Mar 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled. Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 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 Spatial Climate Solutions Lab at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead the development of an adaptable, open-source modeling framework designed to evaluate the technical and economic potential of agrivoltaic systems. As the global demand for renewable energy and food security intensifies, this research aims to resolve land-use conflicts by identifying where and how dual-use solar-and-crop systems can be most effectively deployed.

The successful candidate will spearhead the creation of a high-resolution modeling pipeline that translates site-level biophysical data into regional and national-scale assessments. A primary focus of this role is the development of a modular architecture that can be applied across diverse geographic contexts, specifically focusing on the United States and India. The scholar will leverage unique datasets from operational agrivoltaic systems in India—including PV performance and crop yield data—to calibrate and validate models that will then be applied at scale. The scholar will also have the opportunity to analyze empirical data and inform the experimental design of agrivoltaic systems in multiple states in India. We are looking for a candidate who is eager to co-develop the project's specific research questions.

The postdoctoral scholar will be recruited through the Environmental Studies Program and be affiliated with The 2035 Initiative at UCSB.

Qualifications: Basic qualifications (required at time of application) Applicants must have completed all of the requirements for a Ph.D. (or equivalent) except the dissertation at the time of application in engineering, environmental sciences, energy systems, agricultural sciences, data science, earth science, ecology, or a related field.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start) A Ph.D. in engineering, environmental sciences, energy systems, agricultural sciences, data science, earth science, ecology, or a related field (or equivalent international degree) by start date of appointment.

Preferred qualifications: Expertise in at least one of the following: agrivoltaics, ecovoltaics, solar PV performance modeling, biophysical/crop modeling, or techno-economic assessment (TEA) Advanced proficiency in Python or a similar scientific programming language, with a focus on reproducibility and open-source best practices. Demonstrated experience in geospatial data analysis and the management of large, gridded meteorological or environmental datasets (e.g., NetCDF, Xarray). Strong oral and written communication skills with a track record of presenting complex modeling results to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Application Requirements: Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter - Please describe your interest in agrivoltaics, including how your background and interests broadly align with the goals of this position. Statement of Research Interests and Experience - Please provide a brief summary of your past research contributions and technical expertise. Focus on your experience with solar/crop or related modeling or other projects relevant to this role. (1-2 pages) Writing Sample - 1-2 representative publications or a writing sample (e.g., published journal article, a submitted manuscript, or a dissertation chapter) Reference requirements 3-4 letters of reference required Shortlisted candidates who are invited for a Zoom interview will be notified that their references will be solicited for letters of recommendation.

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