Professional Researcher - Coastal Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is Asst. Researcher $94,700 - 123,900; Assoc. Researcher $118,000 - $148,900; Researcher $138,400 - $252,200

Application Window

Open date: April 23, 2026

Most recent review date: Friday, May 15, 2026 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, Jun 30, 2026 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

NATURE AND PURPOSE


The Professional Researcher develops and oversees their own independent, creative, and high-quality research program equivalent to that required for the Professor Series. He/she takes major responsibility and leadership for his/her programs. Generally, the appointee is expected to secure funding as a Principle Investigator but may be funded as a co-Pl within a large center or collaborative program grant on which many independent investigators are working, as long as it is clear that the activities led by the professional researchers within a larger project constitute his/her own independent research program. Appointees do not have teaching responsibilities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES

I. RESEARCH (90%)

This candidate is required to develop an independent research program focused on filling critical data gaps coastal ecosystem and understanding ecosystem services, wetland ecology and restoration, impacts from inundation and storms, and nature-based solutions.


The candidate will be expected to:

1. Develop and lead the following research efforts:

A. Lead a multi-campus collaborative effort to develop and implement science that helps guide federal, state, and local landowners and managers in planning for more resilient and adaptable coastal habitats; assist in informing the impacts or benefits needed to maintain ecosystem values; and provide methods and tools that identify and help landowners and regulators improve the restoration needed to off-set anthropogenic impacts in coastal environments. Link large-scale drivers (sea-level rise, climate change) with fine-scale ecological/geomorphic processes (sediment flux, vegetation dynamics), which is critical for understanding vulnerability and adaptation pathways.

B. Evaluate flooding impacts from climate change including storms and sea-level rise on coastal ecosystems, including tidal wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass. Examine how macroscale drivers (e.g., climate change, sea-level rise) interact with local processes (e.g., sediment supply, vegetation, elevation change) to determine coastal ecosystem resilience or vulnerability within a changing climate. Results are critical for supporting conservation and management efforts in the coastal zone to prevent ecosystem and species loss.

C. Advance the field of wetland ecology and coastal ecosystems within a changing environment and management landscape, including understanding ecological processes for marsh, mangrove, and seagrass restoration to inform management in California, the U.S., and the South Pacific islands. Studies designed to quantify how wetlands (plants, biogeomorphic processes) respond to changing weather, flooding conditions, salinity, drought, and human interactions.

1. Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals as lead or senior author. Value will also be placed on co-authored contributions as part of leading interdisciplinary and collaborative co-production of science.
2. Acquire and manage funding to support an independent research program in fisheries science and conservation.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)


The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and give research presentations at national and international scientific meetings. When appropriate, the candidate may be requested to coordinate seminars and laboratory meetings.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)


The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to stakeholders and the general public, as well as providing technical advice in the candidate's area of expertise to individuals, public agencies and NGOs. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching full classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

* A Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, or similar related field

* 3-5 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience

* Record of productivity with publications in peer-reviewed journals

* Current California Driver's License

* Experience managing a team in a scientific setting as well manage a team off site in a remote location

* Knowledge in restoring seagrass beds Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

* The candidate must have experience working in coastal and wetland ecosystems.

* The candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. The University will not offer sponsorship of a visa for this position. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

* Ability to Secure Independent Research Funding: Demonstrated capacity to obtain external research support as a Principal Investigator (PI), or to contribute as a co-PI within large, multi-investigator Center grants or collaborative program awards. Must be able to clearly define and lead an independent line of research within broader, interdisciplinary projects.

* Experience in Grant Development and Management: Proven skill in developing competitive grant proposals, managing awarded funds, and sustaining a research portfolio. Prior success in securing funding is strongly preferred.

* Leadership abilities to be able to mentor and lead research assistants and other support staff.


* Comfort with international travel including long field expeditions. Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter (Optional)

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 6-8 required (contact information only)

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About UC Davis

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, 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

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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 for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Davis, CA