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Coral Restoration Assistant Specialist, Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara
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Position Number: 5980276
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Science - Biology

Coral Restoration Assistant Specialist, Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara

University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview
Position title: Assistant Specialist Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position at 100% time is $61,900 to $74,000 annually. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: Ideally March 2025, or shortly thereafter. Position duration: The initial appointment goes through March 31, 2026, with the potential for renewal contingent on funding availability. Application Window

Open date: February 4, 2025

Next review date: Thursday, Feb 20, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 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 Marine Science Institute at the University of California Santa Barbara is seeking an Assistant Specialist to support a cutting-edge project in coral restoration. This project, funded under a cooperative agreement with The Nature Conservancy, aims to optimize coral restoration strategies through ecological modeling and decision-support tools.
The Assistant Specialist will:

Develop and refine ecological models linking biological processes to restoration logistics and ecological outcomes.
Conduct sensitivity analyses and parameterization using empirical data and literature.
Lead the development of a Shiny app for restoration practitioners to explore 'what-if' scenarios.
Collaborate with stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, and academic partners, to ensure model relevance and applicability.
Synthesize findings into a peer-reviewed manuscript to advance coral restoration science.
Present project findings at webinars, stakeholder meetings, and conferences.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to restoring vital coral reef ecosystems while navigating the complexities of ecological restoration in a rapidly changing environment.

This appointment includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision insurance and a UC retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications and experience.

The Department 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.

Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A master's degree in ecological modeling or coral restoration techniques or a related field.

Preferred qualifications

A record of academic accomplishments, including peer-reviewed publications and contributions to the field of coral restoration or marine science.

Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., R, Python) for ecological modeling and data analysis.

Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including stakeholders such as NGOs and government agencies.

Experience developing interactive tools (e.g., Shiny apps) for data visualization and decision-making.

Demonstrated success in engaging with stakeholders and contributing to adaptive management frameworks.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Peer Reviewed Publication(s) - up to 3 max.
(Optional)
Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
(Optional)

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/JPF02914

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"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, dishonesty or unethical conduct, 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

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, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.
Job location
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02914