POSITION OVERVIEW
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar ( in the Climate Hazards Center
Salary range: The posted UC system-wide salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 23 for the salary range at UCSB. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e. a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: April – summer 2023
Position duration: The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with a possible two (2) year reappointment based on performance during the year 1 and available funding.
APPLICATION WINDOW
Open date: January 3, 2023
Next review date: Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Jun 30, 2023 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 Climate Hazards Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an exciting project supported by the US Geological Survey. The project focuses on using forecasts of climate (e.g. rainfall, evaporative demand) and hydrologic (e.g. soil moisture) variables, as well as remotely sensed datasets, and statistical methods such as machine learning to predict agricultural statistics (crop production, crop yields, prices) in food insecure countries and will directly support the famine early warning efforts of USAID’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). The project will have a strong focus on applications and will leverage cutting edge science to support lives and livelihood saving early warning information.
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.
Unit: https://www.chc.ucsb.edu/
Department: https://www.geog.ucsb.edu/
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD Degree in Statistics, Geography/Remote Sensing, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Hydrology, Environmental science, Earth Science or a related discipline except the dissertation at the time of application.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
PhD awarded by the time of appointment.
Preferred qualifications
-Strong expertise in handling, processing and visualizing large spatial vector and gridded, datasets (e.g. remotely sensed and climate/hydrologic forecasts)
-Strong background in applied statistical modeling and machine learning
-Experience with processing and analyzing climate forecasts is strongly preferred. Past experience with downscaling and bias-correction of climate forecasts is desired.
-Ability to implement predictive models (including but not limited to machine learning algorithms) based on gridded datasets (e.g. remotely sensed or climate/hydrologic forecasts, time series, and/or panel datasets).
-Fluency in programming languages such as R or Python.
-Demonstrated ability to make reproducible code for cleaning, integrating, and modeling spatial/temporal data from multiple sources, spatial scales, and temporal frequencies.
-Interest and experience in applied sciences
-Proven record of independently leading research projects, conducting reproducible research, publishing journal articles and presenting at international and national conferences.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Research – Please provide a research statement on how your research experience and interest can contribute to food insecurity early warning efforts.
(Optional)
Reference requirements
- 3 required (contact information only)
References will be contacted for final candidate(s) by email and/or phone, requesting one (or more) of the following: discussion over email or phone, letter of recommendation.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02397
Help contact: sarahdahl@ucsb.edu
CAMPUS INFORMATION
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.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
JOB LOCATION
Santa Barbara, CA
