Job Details

Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Geography

Position Number: 6588016
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Science - Geography

Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Geography

University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Geography Salary range: A reasonable estimated full-time rate for this position at 100% time is $69,073-$80,000. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: 10/20/2025 or later Position duration: 2 years, with potential to renew for a 3rd years depending on performance and available funding. Application Window

Open date: September 22, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Oct 6, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 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 Postdoctoral Scholar will engage in research exploring whether subsidized affordable housing promotes social integration across the United States, using large-scale cell phone mobility data. The scholar will conduct independent and collaborative research in computational social science, contribute to the collection, management, and analysis of novel datasets, and co-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. They will also present findings at academic conferences and public venues, assist in coordinating research activities and mentoring student researchers, and support grant-related reporting. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of data science, urban studies, and social policy within an interdisciplinary research environment.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD Degree in geography, urban planning, sociology, political science, economics, data science, public policy, computer/information science, or a related field, except for dissertation, at the time of application.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

PhD awarded by the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Demonstrated experience in computational or quantitative research methods.

Strong programming skills in Python.

Experience with high-performance computing, geospatial data, and causal inference methods.

Experience with version control (e.g., Git/GitHub) and reproducible research practices.

Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Demonstrated experience in applied, policy-relevant social research and writing.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

3-5 required (contact information only)

References will be contacted for final candidate(s) by email and/or phone, requesting one (or more) of the
following: discussion over email or phone, letter of recommendation.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03012

Help contact: lucy.lopez@geog.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

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03012