Climate Economics Pre-Doc (Associate Specialist), Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview

Position title :

Climate Economics Pre-Doc (Associate Specialist), Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $74,900 to $90,400.

Percent time : 100

Anticipated start :

The start date is negotiable. Ideally the position starts by August 1, 2025.

Position duration :

This is a 1-year initial appointment.

Application Window

Open date : May 12, 2025

Most recent review date : Monday, Jun 2, 2025 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 : Tuesday, Sep 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 Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) is seeking a highly motivated pre-doc to conduct research and analyses on a variety of projects within emLab's Climate & Energy program, working in particular with Prof. Kyle Meng. emLab's energy and climate program uses economic theory, big data, and cutting edge empirical techniques to understand the impacts of climate change and to inform the design of smarter and more equitable climate policies. The successful candidate will support a portfolio of projects modeling and analyzing climate policies such as the California carbon market and U.S. climate and trade policies. The pre-doc will be responsible for a variety of tasks including preparing, processing, combining, and visualizing data; conducting econometric and machine learning analyses; refining and developing numerical models; contributing to the drafting of academic manuscripts, policy briefs, and presentations; and developing efficient and reproducible workflows to implement best practices for rigorous data analysis and replication.

emLab is an interdisciplinary team of scientists based at UC Santa Barbara that conducts cutting-edge, data-driven research on the power, limitations, and design of market-based approaches to tackle the world's most pressing environmental problems. In collaboration with implementing partners, emLab aims to better align environmental objectives and economic incentives in support of sustainable livelihoods and a resilient planet.

The successful candidate will have strong quantitative skills, an ability to work and problem solve independently, a creative and solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to effectively communicate scientific results to stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers.

Department : https : / / bren.ucsb.edu /

Lab : https : / / emlab.ucsb.edu /

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree in economics, environmental science and management, data science, statistics, or a related field at the time of application.

Additional qualifications

(required at time of start)

In addition, the candidate must have :

At least 5 years of professional experience providing analytical research support to projects related to economics, environmental economics, environmental science and management, data science, or a related field (at the time of appointment);

OR

A Master's degree in economics, environmental science and management, data science, statistics, or a related field (at the time of appointment).

Preferred qualifications

• Excellent quantitative skills in collecting, managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets, including spatial data, satellite imagery, and other remotely sensed products;
• Proficiency with coding in statistical languages such as Stata (preferred), R, or Python and numerical software such as Matlab or Julia;
• Experience with coding and project management through GitHub;
• Ability to synthesize and communicate scientific methods and results to a variety of partners and stakeholders;
• Excellent creative problem solving and troubleshooting skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills particularly for policy briefs;
• Ability to take initiative, self manage, and work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational and time management skills.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Reference requirements

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 / JPF02977

Help contact : kellykeogh@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.

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.

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