Position overview
Position title: Conservation Science & Solutions Lab Postdoctoral Scholar
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individuals Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See salary scale titled, Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee /Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow / Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct -Fiscal Year. A reasonable estimate for this position is $60,000 - $72,000.
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: Between March and May 2023. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of initial appointment.
Position duration: Maximum Duration of Service in a Postdoctoral Title: Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time; the initial appointment is for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of reappointment. The total duration of an individuals postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution.
Application Window
Open February 10, 2023 through Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Position Description
The Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in Predicting Species Climate Change Responses to Inform Biodiversity Conservation. Under the direction of Prof. Erika Zavaleta, the postdoctoral scholar will collaborate on two, linked projects: (1) investigation and modeling of eco-evolutionary climate change responses in the Sierra Nevada Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, and (2) broader development for California of species distribution models under climate change and/or synthesis of scientific and stakeholder needs for climate-adapted conservation. The position provides a unique opportunity to pursue both primary ecological investigation and action-research to address climate change challenges to wildlife, ecosystems and people.
The position will involve summer alpine field research and student mentoring in the Sierra Nevada and southern Rockies, assembly of data layers for hierarchical modeling of genotype-phenotype-environment interactions, data management and analysis, collaborative manuscript preparation, contributions to grant-writing and potential for avian diet analysis using stable isotopes. Finally, the scholar will be expected to share their expertise and contribute to mentoring graduate students and undergraduates in the lab.
Research in the CSS Lab addresses varied aspects of biodiversity science including ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change across terrestrial taxa; conservation practice; and ecological knowledge partnerships for restoration and cultural revitalization. Current projects include adaptive responses to climate change in oaks and alpine songbirds, cultural burning to restore wetlands and oak woodlands and development of tools to facilitate land and species conservation planning in the context of climate change.
Applicants with experience or expertise in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Expertise in spatial analysis, ideally including experience with remote sensing data products.
• Excellent R programming language skills including management and analysis of large datasets.
• Experience in field camp-based research, ideally involving bird capture, handling and banding.
• Experience in species distribution modeling.
• Experience with accessing and handling of climate data and future climate projections.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs and should be forwarded to Erika Zavaleta (zavaleta@ucsc.edu) and Blair McLaughlin (blair.mclaughlin@ucsc.edu). Please refer to Position JPF01466 in all correspondence.
Required Documents/Materials

• Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae, with a list of the contact information for three references.

RECRUITMENT PERIOD
Full consideration will be given to applications completed by February 20, 2023. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled.
Conservation Science & Solutions Lab: https://zavaleta.eeb.ucsc.edu/
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department: https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in ecology, conservation science, global change biology or related field.
Help contact: zavaleta@ucsc.edu
Campus Information
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, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the Universitys equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by phone at (831) 459-2686.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check (see https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify). The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/policy/capm/102.530.html).
UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.
UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website at https://www.hercjobs.org/regions/higher-ed-careers-northern-california/ to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.
The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance. For information about employee benefits please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. Additional information and resources for compliance are located on the campus Health Center site
VISIT UC Santa Cruz: https://www.ucsc.edu
Job location
Santa Cruz, California
To apply, visit https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01467
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