Postdoctoral Researcher - Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology
Position Overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $69,073 - $82,836.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: January 2, 2026 or later
Position duration: Two Years. With a possibility of a third year contingent upon performance and availability of funding.
Application Window
Open date: 10/6/2025
Initial review date: 11/15/2025. Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: 11/28/2025. 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.
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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, dishonesty or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
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.
UC Santa Barbara is unable to sponsor employment visas of any kind for this position.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.
