*Gulf Ecosystem Initiative Postdoc* *Appointment Term: 2 years with potential for a thirdStart Date: July 1, 2025 or later Applications due March 14th, 2025*
DESCRIPTION The Gulf Ecosystem Initiative <https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/gulfeco> (GEI), a partnership between the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and The NOAA RESTORE Science Program <https://restoreactscienceprogram.noaa.gov/> seeks to fill two postdoctoral positions focused on addressing critical, interdisciplinary, environmental questions in the Gulf of Mexico. 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 <https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/gulfeco> (GEI) is a partnership designed to engage the Gulf of Mexico 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 you opportunities to not only conduct your own independent research, but also participate in the research of one or more funded synthesis science working groups <https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/working-group-model> currently being solicited (to be awarded by June 2025). You will split your time between supporting and collaborating with one or more working groups and developing your own independent synthesis project focused on a specific challenge facing the Gulf of Mexico. Information about the working groups and postdocs funded in our 2023 cohort <https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/news/new-horizon-inaugural-awards-gulf-ecosystem-initiative> and 2024 cohort <https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/news/announcing-2024-gulf-ecosystem-initiative-working-groups-and-postdoc> can be found on our website. 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 the vibrant and inclusive community at NCEAS and will be well supported by a community of postdocs and resident researchers. You will have access to our Learning Hub <https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/learning-hub> trainings and other resources for professional development. Your proposed independent research project should focus on leveraging and reusing existing data to develop synthesis products around one or more of the initiative’s three key research themes: fisheries; climate change, and the ecological impact of management actions. Within the fisheries theme, research should be aimed at utilizing the wealth of long-term fisheries and environmental datasets available across the Gulf to elucidate linkages between various fisheries and related ecological and social drivers. Climate change focused activities are expected to leverage large climate data sets as well as downscaled climate models to analyze climate change impacts in the Gulf and produce an ecosystem perspective that can inform future management and policy responses. And the ecological impact of management action-focused research should address a previous, recurring, or ongoing management action occurring in the Gulf and produce greater understanding around the system-wide impacts of those actions. Coproduction of synthesis products with working groups, practitioners, and stakeholders across the Gulf of Mexico is highly encouraged. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Research related to the Gulf of Mexico synthesis working groups (50% time) - This postdoctoral researcher will participate in the work of one or more Gulf Ecosystem Initiative synthesis working groups, as appropriate based on experience and interest. Independent research (50% of time) - This postdoctoral researcher will be afforded significant time to pursue their own research interests, publish independent research in peer reviewed journals, and attend scientific conferences. Qualifications *Basic qualifications* (required at time of application) - 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* (required at time of start) - Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, fisheries, climate science, environmental policy or a relevant discipline. *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 three main research themes: fisheries; climate change, and the ecological impact of management actions. - Regional knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico 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.) - Demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts that are broader than only race, ethnicity, and gender. Application Requirements *Document requirements* - Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. - Cover Letter - Cover Letter including: Interest in the position Qualifications related to position Experience supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion - 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; 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) Name and contact information for three references. The top candidate's references will be contacted before the final job offer *Click here to apply! <https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02894>* -- *Anastasia Konefal (she/her)* Science Policy Fellow NOAA RESTORE Science Program The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine | Gulf Research Program anastasia.kone...@noaa.gov To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
