Job Details

Position Overview

The University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Marine Science Institute (MSI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research position focused on the trait-based ecology of marine macroalgae.

Community ecology is often mired in case histories explaining distribution and abundance of select species. Marine ecosystems are diverse and critical for society and we need a more holistic understanding of the forces driving them if we are to predict change due to climate and human impacts. In temperate marine ecosystems, macroalgae are a vital base of food webs and provide habitat for rich communities but we lack a framework for understanding their ecology beyond decades-old gross morphological generalizations.

Trait-based modeling is a promising approach to deal with this complexity and define relationships between quantifiable traits and the distribution and abundance of species. We are combining field and laboratory measurements with modeling to test the broad hypothesis that the depth distribution of common macroalgal species in southern California is predictable based on measured functional traits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research contributing to a trait-based framework for understanding the distribution and abundance of marine macroalgae.
• Combine basic field and laboratory research to measure macroalgal traits with rigorous trait-based modeling and quantitative field surveys to validate models.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national or international conferences.

Salary and Benefits

This appointment includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance and a UC retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Department

Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coding fluency in R, Stata and/or Python for statistical analyses;
• Excellent statistical and/or causal inference skills;
• Strong background in ecological theory and modeling.
• Experience leading peer-reviewed publications and/or reports;
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

3 references are required (contact information only)

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Equal Opportunity Employer

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.