Postdoctoral Position in Earth Science
University of California Santa Barbara
United States

Salary range: The posted UC system-wide salary scales set the minimum pay based on prior months of postdoc service (both domestic and international) before the start of appointment. See Table 23 and 23N (Hourly) for experience level minimums. A reasonable estimated full-time rate for this position at 100% time is $60,000- $71,952. Salaries that are higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated experience level minimum, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: October 1, 2023 or later if candidate can not start on October 1, 2023

Position duration: The duration of the initial appointment is 24 months with a 1 year renewal based on performance

Application Window

Perform field and laboratory research in support of extramurally-funded projects regarding the distribution, transport, and microbial interactions with, microplastics in aquatic and soil matrices including urban freshwaters, surrounding soils, and sediments, and experimental microcosms with intentional incubations. Research activities include studying bacterial communities associated with specific plastic types, analyzing plastic polymers recovered from field samples for compositional and other attributes for characterization, and synthesizing results in relationship to published literature to answer research questions and advance knowledge of microplastics origins, and fates, in the environment. Write reports and manuscripts for peer review and publication. Under supervision with the PI, work individually and collaboratively within research teams across multiple related projects.

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.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must hold a PhD or be enrolled in a PhD-granting program or international equivalent at time of application in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Earth Science, or related fields.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Holding a drivers license, and ability to drive by car to field sites, and assist sampling in collaboration.

PhD in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Earth Science, or related fields at time of employment.

Preferred qualifications

Evidence of accomplishment researching microplastics in the laboratory and field for environmental matrices such as soils and water.

Working knowledge of pollutant fate and transport in the environment, and of urban
storm water management.

Demonstrate performance in effective research results communication via writing reports, manuscripts, and/or publications. Excellent oral communication skills.

Working knowledge of spectroscopy, environmental microbiology or microbial ecology, and chemistry.

Evidence of experience studying bacterial communities in environmental samples.

Evidence of successful project leadership.

Track record of effective collaboration and working within general advising.

Research experience involving study design, field Sample collection and processing, laboratory analysis of field samples, laboratory experimentation, quantitative analysis, and data interpretation

Willingness to work irregular hours as needed to accomplish required field and laboratory sampling and processing.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide the name and email address for 3-5 references in order to complete your application. The references of the top finalists may be contacted following the interview process.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02544

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.

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.

Bren School at UC Santa Barbara