Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Science

Application Window

The Bren School of Environmental Science and Management invites applications for the GCP Fellowship’s 2025 cohort. The successful candidates will work with a team of interdisciplinary scientists to conduct innovative research on various topics. Research topics will be wide-ranging and often at the intersection of global change ecology, hydrology, terrestrial ecology, biodiversity, and climate science, with a quantitative focus on understanding the impacts of global change on the world's terrestrial ecosystems.

The GCP Fellowship will invite a cohort of up to three outstanding early-career scientists from around the world to expand their research skills and become scientific leaders in their chosen field(s). We are particularly interested in scientists who are hoping to expand their skills in core disciplines relevant to global change ecology, as well as develop more interdisciplinary approaches to research. Scholars interested in contributing to a collaborative and innovative group of scholars at all career stages are encouraged to apply. Individuals that are often working on projects that advance science and have real-world impacts are also encouraged to apply.

We are seeking innovative thinkers with a strong quantitative background. The position offers thematic flexibility and candidates should develop a proposal in one or more of the following areas:
-Wildlife responses to anthropogenic activities
-Human-wildlife coexistence
-Strategic approaches to manage global rivers and watershed
-Joint management of terrestrial and freshwater systems
-Climate change impacts in terrestrial ecosystems
-Tipping points, ecosystem transformations, range shifts
-Applications of causal inference in ecology
-Disturbance regimes under climate change

For more information, please refer to the website: [https://www.globalchangepostdoctoralfellowship.com/]

The interdisciplinary GCP fellowship includes the following programming:
-Individual Directed Plans (IDPs) will be developed for each scholar with the team of postdoc advisors (which includes a primary advisor and at least one secondary advisor)
-Annual postdoc symposium. Postdocs will present their work at the annual postdoc symposium, hosted by the fellowship for the UCSB community.
-Attend biweekly (twice per month) meetings to discuss science and obtain feedback
-Participate in career-relevant training, including training in interdisciplinary research tools and approaches, science communication, leadership, DEIJ workshops, and preparing for the academic and non-academic job markets.
-Opportunities to work with scientists and postdocs at NCEAS and attend trainings and workshops offered by NCEAS staff.
-Opportunities for leadership within the Bren School’s MESM, MEDS, and PhD programs, including advising group projects, as selected by the Fellow.
-Full benefits package included. All postdocs will receive $10,000 research funds that can be used for any research or career-related activities. Additional research funds for field work, datasets, and computing costs will also be provided by faculty mentors as needed.

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

Program: https://www.globalchangepostdoctoralfellowship.com/

School: https://bren.ucsb.edu

Applicant must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) or be enrolled in a PhD in ecology, biology, hydrology and/or focus in environmental related topics, or a closely related discipline, at the time of application.

PhD in ecology, biology, hydrology and/or focus in environmental related topics, or a closely related discipline, at the time of appointment.

-A minimum of 3 years of academic or applied research experience in global change ecology methods and/or theory related to animal movement, climate change, forests, ecosystem management, or ecology-related statistical topics
-Excellent quantitative and modeling skills including advanced coding in R and/or Python,
-An interest and track record in publishing in top academic journals;
-Proficiency using GitHub and coding languages, and other modern data management, sharing, and presentation interfaces;
-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.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

The search committee will contact references via email of the the top candidates after the interviews.

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.