University of California - Santa Barbara
NCEAS Gulf Ecosystem Initiative Postdoc
University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, us, 93190
Position Overview
Position title: NCEAS Gulf Ecosystem Initiative Postdoc
Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $69,073 - $82,836.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: August 1, 2026 or later
Position duration: Two-year long position
Application Window
Open date: October 16, 2025
Next review date: Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Position Description The Gulf Ecosystem Initiative (GEI), a partnership between the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and the NOAA RESTORE Science Program seeks to fill a postdoctoral position focused on addressing critical, interdisciplinary, environmental questions in the Gulf of America (formerly the Gulf of Mexico, hereafter the Gulf). As a GEI postdoc you will be joining a dynamic and growing cohort of postdoctoral fellows for a two-year research position based at NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California.
Background: The Gulf Ecosystem Initiative is a partnership designed to engage the Gulf research community in tackling pressing scientific and societal challenges focused around three emerging research themes: fisheries; climate change; and the ecological impact of management actions.
Located at NCEAS, this postdoc position will offer opportunities to conduct independent research and participate in one or more funded synthesis science working groups (anticipated to be awarded by May 2026). You will split your time between supporting working groups and developing your own independent synthesis project focused on a specific Gulf challenge. This position will give you significant opportunities to maximize the impact of your research and to work at the interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions. As a postdoc at NCEAS, you will be welcomed into a vibrant and inclusive community, supported by postdocs and resident researchers, and will have access to Learning Hub trainings and other professional development resources.
Your proposed independent research project should focus on leveraging and reusing existing data to develop synthesis products around one or more of GEI’s three key research themes: fisheries; climate change; and the ecological impact of management actions. Within the fisheries theme, research should utilize wealth of long‑term fisheries and environmental datasets across the Gulf to elucidate linkages between fisheries, ecological and social drivers. Climate‑change activities are expected to leverage large climate data sets and downscaled climate models to analyze impacts in the Gulf and provide an ecosystem perspective that informs future management and policy responses. The ecological‑impact‑of‑management‑action theme should address a prior, recurring, or ongoing management action in the Gulf and produce greater system‑wide understanding of those actions. Coproduction of synthesis products with working groups, practitioners, and stakeholders is highly encouraged.
Duties and Responsibilities
Research related to the GEI synthesis working groups (50% time): Participate in the work of one or more Gulf Ecosystem Initiative synthesis working groups, as appropriate based on experience and interest.
Independent research focused on the Gulf (50% of time): Pursue your own research interests, publish independent research in peer‑reviewed journals, and attend scientific conferences.
Residency at NCEAS: NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. The Center fosters interaction and collaboration, has a thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and regularly hosts leading scientists and practitioners. NCEAS is a leader in data science training, offering courses and expertise in reproducible workflows, data infrastructure, and team science. Postdocs are expected to contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the intellectual atmosphere, spend the vast majority of their time in residence, and have opportunities to travel to national and international events, particularly focusing on Gulf region networking. Relationship building with Gulf‑based researchers will also be accelerated by opportunities for postdocs to establish a regionally‑based research mentor from NOAA, BOEM, USFWS, or other relevant agencies.
Basic Qualifications
At the time of application, applicants must have completed all requirements except the dissertation for a Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, fisheries, climate science, environmental policy, or a relevant discipline.
Additional Qualifications
Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, fisheries, climate science, environmental policy, or a relevant discipline at time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong analytical and modeling skills, including data science, database management, data visualization, etc.
Strong publication record
Experience working on subjects related to one or more of the three main research themes: fisheries; climate change; and the ecological impact of management actions.
Regional knowledge of the Gulf ecosystem and people
Knowledge in policy, economics, and/or other social science relevant to marine and coastal systems
Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information
Ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a research team
Strong organizational skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to translate complex scientific information and effectively communicate with a variety of audiences
Strong networking and relationship‑building skills and interest in building broad collaborations
Experience working with groups outside of academia (agency, industry, NGOs, etc.)
Application Requirements Document Requirements
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter – Cover Letter including: Interest in the position and qualifications related to position.
Statement of Research – A short (3 page) proposal of research you would like to conduct as part of your independent project. We expect projects to primarily be synthesis and analysis research and focused on the Gulf region; the proposal should include a short section setting the context and motivating the work, a main section explaining the research questions and expected methods and data that will be used, and a short final section that addresses expected applied implications of the work.
Reference Requirements
3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03026
Help contact: ikclark@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy. UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties. APM - 035: Affi... (additional policy references). Additional requirements: The University of California may require compliance 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. UC Santa Barbara is unable to sponsor employment visas of any kind for this position.
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.
Job Location Santa Barbara, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position title: NCEAS Gulf Ecosystem Initiative Postdoc
Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $69,073 - $82,836.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: August 1, 2026 or later
Position duration: Two-year long position
Application Window
Open date: October 16, 2025
Next review date: Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Position Description The Gulf Ecosystem Initiative (GEI), a partnership between the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and the NOAA RESTORE Science Program seeks to fill a postdoctoral position focused on addressing critical, interdisciplinary, environmental questions in the Gulf of America (formerly the Gulf of Mexico, hereafter the Gulf). As a GEI postdoc you will be joining a dynamic and growing cohort of postdoctoral fellows for a two-year research position based at NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California.
Background: The Gulf Ecosystem Initiative is a partnership designed to engage the Gulf research community in tackling pressing scientific and societal challenges focused around three emerging research themes: fisheries; climate change; and the ecological impact of management actions.
Located at NCEAS, this postdoc position will offer opportunities to conduct independent research and participate in one or more funded synthesis science working groups (anticipated to be awarded by May 2026). You will split your time between supporting working groups and developing your own independent synthesis project focused on a specific Gulf challenge. This position will give you significant opportunities to maximize the impact of your research and to work at the interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions. As a postdoc at NCEAS, you will be welcomed into a vibrant and inclusive community, supported by postdocs and resident researchers, and will have access to Learning Hub trainings and other professional development resources.
Your proposed independent research project should focus on leveraging and reusing existing data to develop synthesis products around one or more of GEI’s three key research themes: fisheries; climate change; and the ecological impact of management actions. Within the fisheries theme, research should utilize wealth of long‑term fisheries and environmental datasets across the Gulf to elucidate linkages between fisheries, ecological and social drivers. Climate‑change activities are expected to leverage large climate data sets and downscaled climate models to analyze impacts in the Gulf and provide an ecosystem perspective that informs future management and policy responses. The ecological‑impact‑of‑management‑action theme should address a prior, recurring, or ongoing management action in the Gulf and produce greater system‑wide understanding of those actions. Coproduction of synthesis products with working groups, practitioners, and stakeholders is highly encouraged.
Duties and Responsibilities
Research related to the GEI synthesis working groups (50% time): Participate in the work of one or more Gulf Ecosystem Initiative synthesis working groups, as appropriate based on experience and interest.
Independent research focused on the Gulf (50% of time): Pursue your own research interests, publish independent research in peer‑reviewed journals, and attend scientific conferences.
Residency at NCEAS: NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. The Center fosters interaction and collaboration, has a thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and regularly hosts leading scientists and practitioners. NCEAS is a leader in data science training, offering courses and expertise in reproducible workflows, data infrastructure, and team science. Postdocs are expected to contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the intellectual atmosphere, spend the vast majority of their time in residence, and have opportunities to travel to national and international events, particularly focusing on Gulf region networking. Relationship building with Gulf‑based researchers will also be accelerated by opportunities for postdocs to establish a regionally‑based research mentor from NOAA, BOEM, USFWS, or other relevant agencies.
Basic Qualifications
At the time of application, applicants must have completed all requirements except the dissertation for a Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, fisheries, climate science, environmental policy, or a relevant discipline.
Additional Qualifications
Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, fisheries, climate science, environmental policy, or a relevant discipline at time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong analytical and modeling skills, including data science, database management, data visualization, etc.
Strong publication record
Experience working on subjects related to one or more of the three main research themes: fisheries; climate change; and the ecological impact of management actions.
Regional knowledge of the Gulf ecosystem and people
Knowledge in policy, economics, and/or other social science relevant to marine and coastal systems
Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information
Ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a research team
Strong organizational skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to translate complex scientific information and effectively communicate with a variety of audiences
Strong networking and relationship‑building skills and interest in building broad collaborations
Experience working with groups outside of academia (agency, industry, NGOs, etc.)
Application Requirements Document Requirements
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter – Cover Letter including: Interest in the position and qualifications related to position.
Statement of Research – A short (3 page) proposal of research you would like to conduct as part of your independent project. We expect projects to primarily be synthesis and analysis research and focused on the Gulf region; the proposal should include a short section setting the context and motivating the work, a main section explaining the research questions and expected methods and data that will be used, and a short final section that addresses expected applied implications of the work.
Reference Requirements
3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03026
Help contact: ikclark@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy. UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties. APM - 035: Affi... (additional policy references). Additional requirements: The University of California may require compliance 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. UC Santa Barbara is unable to sponsor employment visas of any kind for this position.
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.
Job Location Santa Barbara, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr