Clean Seafood Research Specialist (Associate Specialist, Up to 2 positions), Sustainable Fisheries Group (SFG) and National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), University of California Santa Barbara
The Sustainable Fisheries Group (SFG) is an interdisciplinary research group part of UCSB’s Environmental Market Solutions Lab (emLab) that uses big data techniques, bioeconomic modeling, program evaluation, and spatial analysis to develop innovative science and policy-relevant insights to improve the ecological and economic performance of fisheries and other ocean systems. The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) is an independent research affiliate of UCSB that conducts transformational science focused on informing solutions that allow people and nature to thrive. SFG and NCEAS (referred to hereafter as the UCSB team) are collaborating on a new, innovative project to explore the environmental and economic implications of cell-based and plant-based seafood products (for brevity, we refer to these collectively as “clean seafood” in this description), and are seeking up to two talented research specialists to support this exciting and ambitious project. We are currently building an interdisciplinary team of research specialists and postdoctoral researchers to work under the direction of principal investigators Chris Costello, Olivier Deschenes, Halley Froehlich, and Ben Halpern to conduct rigorous research to identify the key economic, ecological, social, and political conditions under which innovations in clean seafood could drive a conservation benefit in our oceans.
We are seeking up to two highly motivated researchers to provide analytical support for this exciting new project. Responsibilities for these positions include, but are not limited to: collecting, processing, organizing, and analyzing global and species/stock level fisheries, aquaculture, and economics data; conducting literature reviews and surveying disparate data sources to identify modeling parameters, identify and assess potential bottlenecks for clean seafood, explore fishers’ price responsiveness, and examine previous food transitions; developing and modifying code to model clean seafood, wild capture fisheries, and aquaculture interactions, and develop; and developing deep expertise in the clean seafood industry to inform and ground truth modeling and research efforts.
Through this work, the UCSB team has a unique opportunity to ask important questions that will inform the trajectory of an entirely new and cutting edge industry. The successful candidate(s) will have strong quantitative skills combined with a creative and solutions-oriented mindset to develop innovative research approaches that will inform the future of the seafood industry.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in data science, statistics, fisheries, aquaculture, environmental science and management, food systems, natural resource economics, marine policy, or a related field by July 31,2019;
Additional Qualifications:
At least 1 year of professional experience providing analytical research support to projects related to wild capture fisheries, aquaculture, marine conservation, supply chain, food systems or a related environmental science field;
Preferred Qualifications
Excellent quantitative and statistical skills including experience collecting, processing, and analyzing fisheries, aquaculture, and/or economic data;
Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and disparate data sources;
Coding skills and proficiency with R and experience working with GitHub;
Experience developing or modifying economic, ecological, or bio-economic models for fisheries, aquaculture, food systems, or supply chains;
Experience using relational databases, SQL, and data management tools such as BigQuery;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
Ability to take initiative and work independently, and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team;
Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational and time management skills;
Excellent computer skills including fluency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Docs, Gmail, and Google Calendar.
Salary and Benefits: Associate Specialist position(s), with salary step commensurate with qualifications. 100% time appointment for 1 year from start date, with possibility for additional year(s) of employment contingent upon performance and funding. Start date is negotiable, but ideally would be no later than July 31, 2019. Full benefits package included.
To Apply: For primary consideration apply by June 7, 2019.
Position will remain open until filled.
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references online.
The University 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 and 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.