Nature-based Climate Solutions Data Scientist

The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) is seeking a highly motivated junior specialist to conduct research and analyses to support two projects focused on nature-based climate solutions. The first project focuses on assessing the socio-ecological implications of rangelands management in South Africa. The research components include leading the data management and visualization for a collaborative research project across multiple collaborators in South Africa, supporting the development of a remote sensing model assessing pasture quality, and contributing to field work in South Africa. The second project focuses on integrating nature into carbon markets. In collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund, we are developing a global model to illuminate the climate solution potential, market prices, cost savings, and gains from trade made possible by harnessing nature in carbon markets. The Nature-based Climate Solutions Data Scientist will adapt this model to regional contexts by incorporating local data and elaborating policy scenarios.

The Nature-based Climate Solutions Data Scientist will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Preparing, processing, combining, and visualizing data;
• Conducting literature reviews;
• Employing theoretical and empirical approaches to model risk, diversification, and portfolios;
• Contributing to the drafting of academic manuscripts, reports, and presentations;
• Developing efficient and reproducible workflows to implement best practices for data acquisition and analysis;
• Supporting data collection in the field.

The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) is a team of scientists based at UC Santa Barbara that advances economic research to deliver practical solutions for people and the planet. In collaboration with implementing partners, we design, test, and implement scalable solutions that work across boundaries-connecting science with policy, data with decisions, and ambition with action-to create pathways toward a future where environmental and human well being mutually reinforce one another. We endeavor to foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment to bring interdisciplinary expertise to solve critical environmental problems., As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
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Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, data science, statistics, computer science, or related field at the time of application., * Excellent quantitative skills including experience collecting, managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets;

• Proficiency with coding languages such as R and/or Python and experience working with GitHub;
• Advanced proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Python, R) for spatial data collection, mapping, and geoprocessing;
• Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting remote sensing imagery and Earth observation data (e.g., satellite, multispectral, aerial, or LiDAR);
• Knowledge of spatial database design, management, and querying (e.g., PostGIS, PostgreSQL, or spatial SQL);
• Ability to synthesize and communicate scientific methods and results to a variety of partners and stakeholders;
• Excellent creative problem solving and troubleshooting skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to take initiative, self manage, and work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational and time management skills.

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $58,300 to $75,000. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: The start date is negotiable. Ideally the position starts around January 19, 2027 or later. Position duration: This is a 1-year initial appointment., The University of California Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. You have the right to an equal employment opportunity.

The University of California Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

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