2014_10: Project Researcher (Assistant or Associate Specialist)

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. One of the primary responsibilities of this position would be to provide research support for a partnership with the Waitt Institute focused on collaborations with local governments and communities to create comprehensive ocean zoning and fisheries management solutions that improve sustainability and productivity.
SFG seeks an individual who can provide analytical and research support on diverse research projects, including but not limited to: leading economic analyses and biological assessments of marine resources, conducting literature reviews and syntheses in fisheries, ecology and natural resource economics, and running bioeconomic models and tradeoff analyses in order to provide scientific input to multi-use marine spatial planning initiatives. The applicant would ideally have the technical skills to refine existing models used by SFG and develop new models independently. Ideally, the applicant would also have interest in assisting with content development for and technical oversight of the SFG website. 
Qualifications:
  • Master’s in marine science, ecology, natural resource economics, fishery science or related field preferred and at least 1-3 years of experience providing research support to applied projects.
  • Excellent quantitative, statistical and modeling skills, ideally including experience using models related to fisheries management, stock assessment, and/or marine spatial planning. 
  • Coding skills and proficiency with Matlab and/or R required; experience with GIS preferred. 
  • Relevant academic and/or practical experience with fisheries modeling, stock assessment, quantitative ecology, bioeconomic models, and/or natural resource economics. 
  • Excellent communication skills to contribute to reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications, deliver presentations, and translate scientific concepts for diverse audiences. 
  • 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. 
  • Ability to balance a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously. 
  • Willingness to travel internationally.
Salary and Benefits: Assistant or Associate Specialist position, with level and salary step commensurate with qualifications. 100% 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: Position will remain open until filled, but please apply by November 9, 2014 for primary consideration. Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2-3 references online at: