Southern California Regional Ecosystem Services Observation Network (RESON) Project Coordinator (Assistant-Associate Specialist)

Opportunity Type: Jobs

The US National Science Foundation has funded a new Research Coordination Network (RCN) focused on the planning and development of Regional Ecosystem Services Observation Networks in southern California. RESONs are regionally-focused networks of sensors and data sources necessary to take the pulse of coastal ecosystems, spanning their structure, function, and services provided to people. Our RCN will bring together marine scientists, modelers, engineers, spatial statisticians, and computer scientists from academia and industry in collaboration with stakeholders and managers.

A team of scientists with interdisciplinary expertise in ecology, climate, policy, modeling, and computer science are seeking a Project Coordinator to support this new RCN focused on planning a RESON that incorporates new and underused technology to drastically improve our knowledge of ecophysiological stress in coastal ocean ecosystems. The incumbent will coordinate a collaborative network of scientists, practitioners, and managers to synthesize data and identify data gaps on the west coast. In addition, they will contribute to research and development of technological and data science-based solutions to the monitoring and prediction of species stress and responses such as movement and recovery or resilience.

The Project Coordinator (Assistant or Associate Specialist) will work closely with RESON’s Investigators and Steering Committee to provide support to the project. We are looking for a detail-oriented, team player with the ability and willingness to juggle a broad spectrum of responsibilities to fill this dynamic role. Experience in relevant research topics and/or applied science and management, such as ecophysiology, spatial management, animal tracking, scientific data management, or AI applied to ecosystem forecasting, is desirable.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Lead a collaboration with a diverse group of west coast researchers to develop a novel framework for monitoring coastal ecosystems and ecophysiological stressors and their variability in space and time;
• Create and synthesize case studies and datasets using quantitative techniques including spatial modeling
• Coordinate meetings and information-sharing between collaborators;
• Lead the production and submission of reports, presentations, and publications;
• Manage project website and create written content to communicate RESON’s research and analysis to diverse audiences;

Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in oceanography, biology, geography, environmental science or a related field AND five years of experience demonstrating expertise in providing analytical research support to projects related to oceanography, biology, geography, environmental science or a related field at the time of application.

Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) in oceanography, biology, geography, environmental science or a related field at the time of application;

Preferred Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in relevant field (e.g. oceanography, ecology, climate science)
• Track record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience in spatiotemporal modeling of ecosystems, animal movement, connectivity or other ecologically relevant variables
• Fluency in R, Matlab, and other scientific analysis environments
• Experience in managing and analyzing large datasets
• Experience in data visualization techniques e.g. R Shiny
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including experience writing to diverse audiences and developing visually compelling presentations and project materials

Salary and Benefits: Salary and benefits will depend on academic background and experience. 100% time appointment for one year from start date, with possibility for one additional year renewal contingent upon performance and funding. Full benefits package included.

To Apply: Initial review date will be October 30, 2020. Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2-3 references online at:

https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF01860

The position is available immediately.

For full consideration, please apply by 10/30/20

Position will be open until filled.

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.

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.