Inside Higher Ed
Postdoc Scholar - Marine ecology ESPM The Coastal Climate Resilience Lab - MCE
Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Postdoc Scholar - Marine Ecology ESPM – The Coastal Climate Resilience Lab (MCECO)
Join the Coastal Climate Resilience Lab at UC Berkeley to investigate how extreme freshwater events influence marine ecosystems and phytoplankton dynamics in the California Current System.
This 2‑year position is 100% full‑time and will begin in Fall 2025.
Position Overview Salary range: $69,073 – $77,030 (based on UC academic scales).
Percent time: 100%.
Anticipated start: Fall 2025.
Position duration: 2 years with possible extension based on performance and funding availability.
Application Window Open date: September 12, 2025 – Final date: November 14, 2025.
Applications received after the review date of September 26, 2025 are considered only if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description The Coastal Climate Resilience Lab, under PI Dr. Rachel Carlson, is focused on understanding the impacts of extreme atmospheric river events on near‑shore ocean salinity and phytoplankton communities.
The postdoctoral researcher will lead the project titled “Impacts of Extreme Freshwater Events on Marine Freshwater Plumes and Phytoplankton Community Structure,” working closely with co‑PIs Dr. Albert Ruhi (UC Berkeley) and Dr. Kelly Hondula (ASU).
Project goals:
Develop the first observational freshwater plume map for the U.S. West Coast during recent extreme runoff events.
Convert climate scenarios for extreme rainfall into forecasts of future coastal runoff under climate change.
Analyze changes in marine ecological communities during and after freshwater extremes at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Responsibilities
Define research questions and methods regarding freshwater plume exposure and phytoplankton responses.
Develop and interpret phytoplankton metrics using satellite and in‑situ sensors (PACE, Sentinel‑3, MODIS, etc.).
Lead time‑series analyses to identify extreme hydrological events and measure their ecological impacts.
Conduct a case study in a local California region.
Perform data cleaning, quality control, documentation, and SOP development.
Prepare manuscripts and lead authorship of scientific papers.
Participate in lab meetings, mentoring, and community‑building activities.
Mentorship & Work Environment The postdoc will work in Dr. Carlson’s lab on UC Berkeley campus, with co‑mentoring from Dr. Albert Ruhi and remote guidance from Dr. Kelly Hondula.
In‑person work is required, but a hybrid arrangement may be considered.
Opportunities include teaching, conference attendance, and professional development.
Qualifications
PhD (or equivalent) in marine ecology, environmental science, computational ecology, or related field.
Maximum of 3 years of post‑degree research experience.
Knowledge of phytoplankton biology, taxonomy, and California Current dynamics.
Experience with ocean‑color remote‑sensing algorithms.
Proficiency in R, Python and HPC computing.
Experience with time‑series, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling.
Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications as lead author.
Ability to produce public‑facing outreach materials.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae (latest version)
Cover Letter
Research Statement (detailing past achievements and future plans)
Three references (contact information only)
Apply at:
https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05114
Contact rrcarlson@berkeley.edu
©2025 UC Berkeley.
All rights reserved.
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, or protected veteran status.
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This 2‑year position is 100% full‑time and will begin in Fall 2025.
Position Overview Salary range: $69,073 – $77,030 (based on UC academic scales).
Percent time: 100%.
Anticipated start: Fall 2025.
Position duration: 2 years with possible extension based on performance and funding availability.
Application Window Open date: September 12, 2025 – Final date: November 14, 2025.
Applications received after the review date of September 26, 2025 are considered only if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description The Coastal Climate Resilience Lab, under PI Dr. Rachel Carlson, is focused on understanding the impacts of extreme atmospheric river events on near‑shore ocean salinity and phytoplankton communities.
The postdoctoral researcher will lead the project titled “Impacts of Extreme Freshwater Events on Marine Freshwater Plumes and Phytoplankton Community Structure,” working closely with co‑PIs Dr. Albert Ruhi (UC Berkeley) and Dr. Kelly Hondula (ASU).
Project goals:
Develop the first observational freshwater plume map for the U.S. West Coast during recent extreme runoff events.
Convert climate scenarios for extreme rainfall into forecasts of future coastal runoff under climate change.
Analyze changes in marine ecological communities during and after freshwater extremes at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Responsibilities
Define research questions and methods regarding freshwater plume exposure and phytoplankton responses.
Develop and interpret phytoplankton metrics using satellite and in‑situ sensors (PACE, Sentinel‑3, MODIS, etc.).
Lead time‑series analyses to identify extreme hydrological events and measure their ecological impacts.
Conduct a case study in a local California region.
Perform data cleaning, quality control, documentation, and SOP development.
Prepare manuscripts and lead authorship of scientific papers.
Participate in lab meetings, mentoring, and community‑building activities.
Mentorship & Work Environment The postdoc will work in Dr. Carlson’s lab on UC Berkeley campus, with co‑mentoring from Dr. Albert Ruhi and remote guidance from Dr. Kelly Hondula.
In‑person work is required, but a hybrid arrangement may be considered.
Opportunities include teaching, conference attendance, and professional development.
Qualifications
PhD (or equivalent) in marine ecology, environmental science, computational ecology, or related field.
Maximum of 3 years of post‑degree research experience.
Knowledge of phytoplankton biology, taxonomy, and California Current dynamics.
Experience with ocean‑color remote‑sensing algorithms.
Proficiency in R, Python and HPC computing.
Experience with time‑series, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling.
Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications as lead author.
Ability to produce public‑facing outreach materials.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae (latest version)
Cover Letter
Research Statement (detailing past achievements and future plans)
Three references (contact information only)
Apply at:
https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05114
Contact rrcarlson@berkeley.edu
©2025 UC Berkeley.
All rights reserved.
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, or protected veteran status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr