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NCEAS Social Cost of Plastic Pollution Postdoc Apply now to NCEAS Social Cost of Plastic Pollution Postdoc
Job #JPF02591
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis / Office of Research / UC Santa Barbara
Position overview
Position title: NCEAS Social Cost of Plastic Pollution Postdoc
Salary range: The posted UC system-wide salary scales set the minimum pay based on prior months of postdoc service (both domestic and international) before the start of appointment. See Table 23 and 23N (Hourly) for experience level minimums. A reasonable estimated full-time rate for this position at 100% time is $64,480- $$77,327. Salaries that are higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated experience level minimum, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. Full UCSB postdoc benefits package included.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Position is expected to start as early as November 1, 2023 and no later than January 15, 2024.
Position duration: 2 years
Application Window
Open date: September 19, 2023
Most recent review date: Wednesday, Nov 22, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 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
DESCRIPTION
The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at the University of California Santa Barbara seeks one postdoctoral scholar to help lead a newly funded project focused on developing a framework to incorporate a social cost of plastic pollution into public policy decision making. As part of this two-year project this postdoctoral scholar will work collaboratively with a dynamic project team and expert working group. Together this team will work to lay the groundwork for determining the best approach and developing a framework by which the external marginal cost of plastic can be incorporated into regulatory impact analysis, taking into account idiosyncratic release rates, persistence, and ecological impacts. This work will allow local, state, and federal public agencies to make better-informed decisions on the management of the manufacturing, use, and disposal of plastics. This is a two-year long position and will be based at NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California.
BACKGROUND
Like other forms of pollution, plastic pollution is a negative externality that leads to social costs that are often not accounted for, but there is no single recommended framework or consensus for how to proceed with estimating the dollar value of avoided plastic pollution emissions under different management scenarios. The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching, including harms to wildlife and habitats, damage to property, impediments to navigation, economic costs to local communities, and impacts to human health. A robust and scientifically-grounded approach for estimating the dollar value of avoided plastic pollution emissions would allow agencies to understand the benefits of reducing plastic pollution emissions or the social cost of increasing such emissions.
As a successful postdoctoral scholar, you will use your analytical skills and knowledge to lead the development of a framework for quantifying the dollar value of avoided plastic pollution emissions under different management scenarios. This position will give you significant opportunities to maximize the impact of your research and to work at the interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions, advancing knowledge about complex systems and creating more sustainable and equitable management outcomes. You will not only be part of a large plastic pollution focused research team, but also a diverse and growing cohort of postdocs and researchers at NCEAS in downtown Santa Barbara, California.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Co-lead (together with working group co-chairs) analysis and synthesis of plastic pollution release rates, environmental persistence, and ecological impacts to develop a framework for incorporating a social cost of plastic pollution into public policy decision making;
- Partner with the working group co-leads to create agendas, set timelines, draft milestones, and track progress;
- Engage with environmental economists, marine debris and waste management experts, policy experts, fisheries economists, and stakeholders;
- Collaborate with the working group to find and curate data, draft reports and publications; and
- Lead writing and publication of scientific developments in peer review journals.
RESIDENCY AT NCEAS:
NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. The Center is known for fostering interaction and collaboration, a characteristic that leads to the success of its scientists. NCEAS has a growing and thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and a frequent influx of leading scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in working group projects across a diverse range of initiatives. NCEAS is also a leader in data science training, offering courses and expertise in reproducible workflows, data infrastructure, and environmental statistics. We expect that postdocs will contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the intellectual atmosphere. The postdoc should anticipate spending the vast majority of their time in residence at the Center and will have the opportunity to travel to relevant national and international events and conferences, with a special focus on meeting and networking opportunities across the Western US and Canada.
NCEAS is committed to improving diversity and inclusion in science. We value the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, needs, and experiences reflected among our residents, visitors, and broader communities. We are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, parental status, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, citizenship status, and nationality. To see the steps we are taking to advance diversity and inclusion please see our full statement here: https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/diversity-inclusion .
The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
At the time of application, applicants must have completed all requirements except the dissertation for a PhD in environmental science, economics (with a focus on environmental economics), ecology, environmental policy, or a relevant discipline.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Ph.D. in environmental science, economics (with a focus on environmental economics), ecology, environmental policy, or a relevant discipline at time of appointment.
Preferred qualifications
- Strong analytical and modeling skills, including data science, database management, data visualization, etc.
- Experience working with social cost frameworks
- Strong scientific writing skills
- Experience working on subjects related to estimating external marginal costs, natural resource economics, plastic pollution fate & transport, waste management, plastic policy
- Knowledge of regulatory impact analysis
- Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information
- Ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a working group
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to translate complex scientific information and effectively communicate with a variety of audiences
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills and interest in building broad collaborations
- Experience working with groups outside of academia (agency, industry, NGOs, etc.)
- Demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts that are broader than only race, ethnicity, and gender.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - Cover Letter including:
Interest in the position
Qualifications related to the position
Experience supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion
Reference requirements
- 3 required (contact information only)
Name and contact information for three references. The top candidate's references will be contacted before the final job offer.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02591Help contact: [email protected]
About UC Santa Barbara
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 status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a condition of employment, 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.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA
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