The newly-established La Kretz Research Center at Sedgwick Reserve, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is recruiting 1-2 postdoctoral research scientists to work on questions related to landscape and ecosystem processes and management of California rangelands undergoing climate change. Examples of potential projects include: -Projecting ecological changes in California oak woodland landscape under shifting climate, fire and livestock grazing regimes; -Characterizing the spatial and temporal patterns of water use and carbon cycling of California foothill ecosystems and their response to climate variability; -Cross-scale microclimate, soil moisture and energy balance variation in foothill ecosystems and potential for buffering regional climate change.
The Sedgwick Reserve is a world-class research, conservation and education facility located in the Santa Ynez Valley. Postdoctoral researchers will also be provided office space and computing support at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (www.nceas.ucsb.edu) in downtown Santa Barbara, where they will have the opportunity to interact with the diverse array of researchers visiting or in residence at the Center They may also collaborate with the La Kretz Center Director as well as with other UCSB faculty conducting research at the Sedgwick Reserve to develop new research projects. Basic Qualification: A PhD in ecology or environmental science. Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) except the dissertation at the time of application. Additional Qualifications: PhD required at the time of appointment. Two or more years of experience working with GIS data and software as well advanced programming skill in R, python, matlab, or other modern scientific software environments. Preferred Qualifications: candidates with research interest and experience in Mediterranean-climate ecosystems, with landscape modeling skills, or with expertise in the use of innovative micrometeorological approaches for characterization of vegetation water use and landscape carbon/water/energy dynamics will be given preferred consideration. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work independently, under direction, and also collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team are also required. The initial term of the appointment will be 12 months, with the possibility of subsequent extension based on performance and availability of funding. Start date would be Oct 1, 2018. For primary consideration apply by September 13, 2018. Positions are open until filled. To apply, please upload a cover letter, CV, statement of research and contacts for three references to: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01301. Email La Kretz Center Director Frank Davis (f...@bren.ucsb.edu) with any questions related to the position. 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. 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 status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
