Postdoctoral Researcher in Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology

Position overview

Position title : Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range : $69,073 - $82,836

Percent time : 100%

Anticipated start :

January 2, 2026 or later

Review timeline :

Initial Review Date : October 22, 2025

Position duration :

2 years. With a possibility of a third year contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date : October 6, 2025

Next review date : Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Friday, Nov 28, 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

This position is for a Postdoctoral Researcher in terrestrial ecosystem ecology on an NSF-funded project investigating termite methane emissions across tropical savannas and forests. The appointed Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with Dr. Yong Zhou (UC Santa Barbara) and Dr. Andrew Davies (Harvard University), along with collaborators at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (Dr. Amy Zanne), the Natural History Museum, London (Dr. Paul Eggleton), African Parks (Dr. Gwili Gibbon), and Utah State University (Ryan Helcoski). This position will focus on measuring termite methane oxidation and emission rates at the colony to landscape level in tropical savanna and forest ecosystems. Fieldwork will take place in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, offering an opportunity to conduct research in pristine tropical savanna and forest environments. This role requires strong scientific expertise as well as a high degree of self-reliance, adaptability, and resilience to meet the challenges of fieldwork in remote tropical ecosystems. We seek a candidate with a background in ecosystem ecology, experience measuring carbon fluxes in the field and laboratory, and proficiency in DNA extraction, sequencing and related data analysis. The project includes aspects of entomology and LiDAR remote sensing,

giving the Postdoctoral Researcher significant latitude to explore research interests linking these different topics. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be expected to also advance the broader impacts of the research by collaborating

with our broader impacts specialist to create outreach and educational materials for K-12, college, and public audiences.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD program (or equivalent) except the dissertation in ecology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline at the time of application

Additional qualifications

(required at time of start)

The applicant must have a doctoral degree in ecology, environmental science or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in ecosystem ecology, particularly terrestrial carbon or methane cycles.
• Experience in measuring soil carbon or methane fluxes in field sites and / or laboratory incubations.
• Experience in soil DNA extraction and sequencing data analysis.
• Experience with remote fieldwork, including long-distance hiking and working safely around wildlife in challenging conditions
• Experience with outreach, mentoring, and supervising others
• Ability to manage, analyze, and synthesize data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Willingness to conduct field work in African savannas and tropical forests

Special Conditions :

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter - A cover letter stating your research accomplishments and interests

Statement of Research (Optional)

Scientific Articles or Manuscripts - PDFs of 2 reprints of peer-reviewed scientific articles or manuscripts in preparation

Reference requirements

Names and emails of 3 references that can be contacted via email after interviews have been conducted.

Apply link : JPF03019

Help contact :

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.

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.

UCSB is unable to sponsor employment visas of any kind for this position.

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