2014_09:Project Researcher (Associate/Assistant Specialist; 50% time)

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)’s Marine Science Institute invites applications for a 50% time Associate/Assistant Specialist position with the Sustainable Fisheries Group (SFG). A Master’s degree or above in a relevant field is required.
SFG (http://sfg.msi.ucsb.edu/) is a research team affiliated with the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management and the Marine Science Institute at UCSB. SFG develops innovative science, particularly using bioeconomic modeling and spatial analysis, and applies it to real-world challenges to improve the ecological and economic performance of fisheries and other ocean uses. SFG’s research focuses on topics such as spatial fisheries management, marine protected area design, financing fisheries reform, marine spatial planning, data-poor stock assessment, catch share design, and global fisheries assessment. Our applied projects include work throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, Bermuda, Indonesia, China, Philippines, and the United States. Travel to some of these locales would likely be part of the position.
Qualifications:
SFG seeks an individual who can, with limited supervision, lead complex data collection and database management projects and perform bioeconomic analyses and fisheries modeling using computer models and statistical programs. The applicant should have the technical skills to refine existing models used by the SFG and develop new models. Model development may include data collection for parameterizing and ground-truthing of the models.  Strong coding skills preferred and working knowledge of Matlab and/or R are required. The applicant will be required to carry out both theoretical work and applied analysis related to diverse geographical regions. The successful applicant will possess relevant academic and/or practical experience with fisheries modeling, stock assessment, quantitative ecology, bioeconomic models, and/or natural resource economics. The candidate should also have strong communication skills to document methods, contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications, and deliver presentations on model development, analyses, and results, and strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with academic, NGO and government partners and to work effectively as part of collaborative research team. 
Salary and Benefits: Associate/Assistant Specialist position, with salary step commensurate with qualifications. 50% time appointment for one year from start date, with strong possibility for additional year(s) of employment contingent upon performance. Start date is negotiable, but is anticipated to be no later than February 1, 2015. Full benefits package included. 
To apply: Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2-3 references online at: