Postdoctoral Researcher - Ocean Monitoring System Design, Marine Science Institute, UCSB

The University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Marine Science Institute (MSI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research position focused on the Ecosystem Services Observation Network (ESON). ESON aims to address the critical gaps in our current monitoring capabilities by employing advanced technologies and methodologies to collect, analyze, and interpret environmental and biological data across multiple scales and functional groups. The project's primary goal is to enhance predictive models of ecosystem change and improve management strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal resources. This project aims to advance our understanding and monitoring capabilities of coastal ecosystems by utilizing emerging patterns of synchrony in marine environments. Building on stakeholder and community feedback regarding the state of the science and existing data gaps collected by the Research Coordination Network through a series of workshops, the successful candidate will contribute to the design and development of a robust monitoring system that integrates biological and environmental data to capture holistic changes in marine ecosystems.

Responsibilities:

* Conduct research utilizing synchrony patterns among key functional groups in the ocean to inform the design and implementation of ESON.

* Analyze time-series data for detecting emergent biophysical links and dynamics within the California Current Ecosystem.

* Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate biological observations with physical environmental data.

* Engage with stakeholders to refine monitoring strategies and incorporate community-driven data collection.

* Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.

Salary and Benefits: Postdoctoral Researcher position, with salary commensurate with qualifications.

The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. (or equivalent) except the dissertation in ecology, oceanography, geography, environmental science, conservation science and planning or a related field at the time of application.

PhD in ecology, oceanography, geography, environmental science, conservation science and planning, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

* Fluency in spatial analysis tools (e.g. R, Google Earth Engine, python, ArcGIS, QGIS);

* Coding fluency in R, Stata and/or Python for statistical and spatial analyses;

* Excellent statistical and/or causal inference skills;

* Strong background in marine ecosystem dynamics and familiarity with advanced monitoring technologies such as eDNA, remote sensing, and autonomous observing platforms.

* Experience leading peer-reviewed publications and/or reports;

* Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

* A commitment to integrating indigenous knowledge and community engagement into scientific research.

• 3-4 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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, 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.