Opportunity

The Bren School of Environmental Science and Management invites applications for the GCP Fellowship’s 2024 cohort. The successful candidates will work with a team of interdisciplinary scientists to conduct innovative research on various topics. Research topics will be wide-ranging and often at the intersection of global change ecology, hydrology, terrestrial ecology, biodiversity, and climate science, with a quantitative focus on understanding the impacts of global change on the world's terrestrial ecosystems. 

We are seeking innovative thinkers with a strong quantitative background. The position offers thematic flexibility and candidates should develop a proposal in one or more of the following areas:

• Biodiversity responses to anthropogenic activities
• Human-wildlife coexistence
• Climate change impacts in terrestrial ecosystems
• Tipping points, ecosystem transformations, range shifts
• Applications of causal inference in ecology
• Disturbance regimes under climate change

The purpose of the GCP Fellowship is to foster a community of interdisciplinary postdoctoral scientists using cutting-edge analytical tools to solve some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. During the two-year fellowship, postdoctoral scholars will interact with a team of faculty who offer distinct skill sets and perspectives through collaborative opportunities that support each postdoc’s research project and career goals.

The GCP Fellowship will invite a cohort of up to five outstanding early-career scientists from around the world to expand their research skills and become scientific leaders in their chosen field(s). We are particularly interested in scientists who are hoping to expand their skills in core disciplines relevant to global change ecology, as well as develop more interdisciplinary approaches to research. Scholars interested in contributing to a collaborative and innovative group of scholars at all career stages are encouraged to apply. Individuals that are often working on projects that advance science and have real-world impacts are also encouraged to apply. 

Eligibility: 

• Ph.D. in an environmentally-related field
• Strong publication record
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills and motivation to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines

All application materials must be submitted electronically by December 1, 2023. Please apply HERE.

Please prepare the following documents:

1. One page cover letter explaining your past research experience, career goals, background, and the motivation that drives your career. 
2. One page research plan explaining the goals and objectives of your postdoctoral research, including a brief overview of the background, hypotheses, methods, expected results, and Bren faculty academic advising committee.
3. CV with three references. Letters will be requested if you are invited to interview.

Selection criteria and process:

Fellows will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

1. Strength of the research proposal;
2. Past record of collaborative, productive research;
3. Demonstrated understanding of the barriers underrepresented groups in higher education, including, but not limited to, life experiences and advocacy
4. Record of service and leadership activities in programs and efforts that support historically excluded groups in academia;
5. Research fit (i.e., the proposed research topic would benefit from collaboration with Bren faculty);
6. Record of high academic achievement by overcoming various academic barriers, including socio-economic hardships, educational and cultural disadvantages, and active exclusion faced by many identities.

We will begin reviewing applications on November 1. If you are invited for a zoom interview, we will request letters of reference following your zoom interview. The scholars will be selected by March 1 and all candidates will be notified about the status of their application by April 1. 

For specific questions, please reach out to Bruce Kendall: kendall@bren.ucsb.edu