Professional Researcher - Coastal Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The Professional Researcher develops and oversees their own independent, creative, and high-quality research program equivalent to that required for the Professor Series. He/she takes major responsibility and leadership for his/her programs. Generally, the appointee is expected to secure funding as a Principle Investigator but may be funded as a co-Pl within a large center or collaborative program grant on which many independent investigators are working, as long as it is clear that the activities led by the professional researchers within a larger project constitute his/her own independent research program. Appointees do not have teaching responsibilities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES

I. RESEARCH (90%)

This candidate is required to develop an independent research program focused on filling critical data gaps coastal ecosystem and understanding ecosystem services, wetland ecology and restoration, impacts from inundation and storms, and nature-based solutions.
The candidate will be expected to:

A. Lead a multi-campus collaborative effort to develop and implement science that helps guide federal, state, and local landowners and managers in planning for more resilient and adaptable coastal habitats; assist in informing the impacts or benefits needed to maintain ecosystem values; and provide methods and tools that identify and help landowners and regulators improve the restoration needed to off-set anthropogenic impacts in coastal environments. Link large‐scale drivers (sea‐level rise, climate change) with fine‐scale ecological/geomorphic processes (sediment flux, vegetation dynamics), which is critical for understanding vulnerability and adaptation pathways.

B. Evaluate flooding impacts from climate change including storms and sea-level rise on coastal ecosystems, including tidal wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass. Examine how macroscale drivers (e.g., climate change, sea‐level rise) interact with local processes (e.g., sediment supply, vegetation, elevation change) to determine coastal ecosystem resilience or vulnerability within a changing climate. Results are critical for supporting conservation and management efforts in the coastal zone to prevent ecosystem and species loss.

C. Advance the field of wetland ecology and coastal ecosystems within a changing environment and management landscape, including understanding ecological processes for marsh, mangrove, and seagrass restoration to inform management in California, the U.S., and the South Pacific islands. Studies designed to quantify how wetlands (plants, biogeomorphic processes) respond to changing weather, flooding conditions, salinity, drought, and human interactions.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and give research presentations at national and international scientific meetings. When appropriate, the candidate may be requested to coordinate seminars and laboratory meetings.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to stakeholders and the general public, as well as providing technical advice in the candidate’s area of expertise to individuals, public agencies and NGOs. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching full classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

• A Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, or similar related field
• 3-5 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience
• Record of productivity with publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Current California Driver’s License
• Experience managing a team in a scientific setting as well manage a team off site in a remote location
• Knowledge in restoring seagrass beds

• The candidate must have experience working in coastal and wetland ecosystems.
• The candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. The University will not offer sponsorship of a visa for this position.

• Ability to Secure Independent Research Funding: Demonstrated capacity to obtain external research support as a Principal Investigator (PI), or to contribute as a co-PI within large, multi-investigator Center grants or collaborative program awards. Must be able to clearly define and lead an independent line of research within broader, interdisciplinary projects.
• Experience in Grant Development and Management: Proven skill in developing competitive grant proposals, managing awarded funds, and sustaining a research portfolio. Prior success in securing funding is strongly preferred.
• Leadership abilities to be able to mentor and lead research assistants and other support staff.
• Comfort with international travel including long field expeditions.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter (Optional)

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 6-8 required (contact information only)

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, 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

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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