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Nature-based Climate Solutions Data Scientist (Junior Specialist), Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

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Position Number: 9969089
Location: Santa Barbara, United States
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Nature-based Climate Solutions Data Scientist (Junior Specialist), Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview
Position title: Nature-based Climate Solutions Data Scientist (Junior Specialist) 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. Application Window

Open date: November 13, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Nov 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, May 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A bachelor's degree in environmental science, data science, statistics, computer science, or related field at the time of application.

Preferred qualifications

* 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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter

Reference requirements

3 required (contact information only)

The search committee will contact references of the top candidate(s) after the interviews. After references are checked, a top candidate will be chosen.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03185

Help contact: lswanson@ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

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.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Job location
Santa Barbara, CA UCSB

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03185