Postdoctoral Scholar in Forest Ecology and Data Science

 The Landscapes of Change (LOC) Lab at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in forest ecology and data science (two-year appointment). The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary group investigating how climate change is reshaping forests through shifting disturbance regimes. The position centers on data-driven research using large, multi-source datasets to understand how drought, fire, bark beetles, and disease influence forest structure, function, and recovery.

We are especially interested in candidates with strong quantitative and computational skills, experience in big-data analysis, and a deep interest in forest disturbance dynamics. We welcome applicants who enjoy building reproducible, data-intensive workflows and contributing to a collaborative research culture that spans multiple disciplines and career stages.

Project/Position description:

• Harmonize field-based observations (e.g., mortality, insect attack) with remotely sensed datasets (e.g., Landsat, MODIS) across spatial and temporal scales.

• Quantify disturbance impacts and recovery trajectories, and develop rigorous modeling frameworks to test hypotheses about forest resilience and disturbance interactions.

• Collaborate across multiple disciplines, publish in leading journals, and present at major conferences.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. in ecology, quantitative ecology, forest ecology, landscape ecology, or a related field. Ph.D. must be in awarded by the start of the position.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Publication record in relevant areas

• Excellent quantitative and modeling skills including advanced coding in R and/or Python

• An interest and track record in publishing in top academic journals

• Familiarity with forest ecology and disturbance interactions

• Experience in big data analyses and developing reproducible workflows

• Proficiency using GitHub and coding languages, and other modern data management, sharing, and presentation interfaces

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across subdisciplines

• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills

Salary Range: The full salary range for this position is based on experience: $69,073 to $75,156. This position includes full benefits.

Ideal start date: April 1 - May 1

First review begins February 5, 2026 and will continue until filled.

Please prepare a single PDF with the following three documents and send them by email to dudney@ucsb.edu with the heading “LOC Lab Postdoc Application – Lastname”:

1. One page cover letter explaining your past research experience, career goals, background, and the motivation that drives your career. 

2. CV with three references. Letters will be requested if you are invited to interview.

3. One representative publication.