Postdocin marine ecological forecasting (USA)

The Marine Science Institute at the University of California Santa Barbara seeks a postdoctoral
scholar with training in quantitative marine ecology or oceanography and expertise in statistical methods for spatiotemporal forecasting.

The candidate will work closely with a collaborative team of UCSB and NOAA investigators on
developing and applying models correlating environmental processes and long-term
ecological data with the ultimate goal of forecasting changes in marine biodiversity.
The research will contribute to the Santa Barbara Channel Marine Biodiversity Observation
Network (SBC MBON) project, an interdisciplinary program that aims to assess the diversity of
a broad range of marine organisms in the Santa Barbara Channel and the environmental
factors that influence it.

The SBC MBON benefits from extensive existing data about the biological and physical
conditions in the region which are being integrated over multiple spatial scales using
statistical, ecological and oceanographic approaches. The Santa Barbara Channel is also
home to NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, an area of 1,470 square miles
set aside to protect its extraordinary natural and cultural resources. It is anticipated that this
work will contribute to an understanding of the status and trends of biodiversity within this
special place as well as a better understanding of resiliency to change.

The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with collaborators from NOAA’s National Centers
for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). NCCOS is the primary science arm of NOAA’s National
Ocean Service. For over 15 years NCCOS has worked at the forefront of providing science to
support coastal and marine resource management. This joint effort between SBC MBON and
NCCOS pairs SBC MBON expertise in the ecology and physical processes of the southern
California Bight with NCCOS expertise in developing forecasting models of marine
ecosystems.

The candidate shall have a PhD in quantitative ecology, oceanography or related field and
demonstrated skills in advanced statistical modeling, computational analysis, and scientific
programming. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, a desire and ability for
interdisciplinary collaborations and a proven capacity to publish in peer-reviewed journals are
requirements.

Initial appointment will be for one year, with anticipated funding for two or more years,
conditional upon performance. UCSB offers competitive salary and excellent benefits.
Screening of applications will begin January 4, 2016 with an anticipated start in spring of
2016, but the position will be open until filled. For further information, please contact Dr.
Robert Miller (miller@msi.ucsb.edu). Send applications including cover letter, Curriculum Vitae,
and contact information for three references to:
https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF00648

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