NCEAS Wildfire Resilience Index Data Analyst

UC Santa Barbara's NCEAS seeks a Data Analyst for the Wildfire Resilience Index project, focusing on developing indicators to measure wildfire resilience in the US and Canada. The role involves data integration, analytical workflows, and collaboration with a project team. The position is based in Santa Barbara, California, and aims to enhance ecological management solutions. Candidates should be prepared to contribute to diversity and inclusion efforts within the scientific community.
DESCRIPTION

The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at UCSB seeks a data analyst to support a research program focused on developing a Western Wildfire Resilience Index for the US and Canadian West (https://www.wildfireindex.org/). Built on the success of the NCEAS’ Ocean Health Index, the Wildfire Resilience Index will provide policymakers and the public with clear, actionable metrics on wildfire resilience to improve management. As part of this multi-year project, you will work together as part of a dynamic project team, including an expert working group, a postdoctoral fellow, a project lead, several data analysts, and a web developer.

Position Description

As a successful Data Analyst, you will use your analytical skills and knowledge to support the development of a suite of indicators and a comprehensive indicator framework to quantitatively measure wildfire resilience at scales applicable to management. This position will give you significant opportunities to hone and apply a diverse analytical skillset and work at the critical interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions. Guided by an expert working group and in partnership with the project team, you will participate in the Index development and synthesis process. You will contribute to the development of data pipelines and reproducible analytical workflows to integrate heterogeneous sources of data (tabular, geographic, remote sensing, etc.) for the project team, with a particular focus on machine learning and AI-accelerated analytical processes. You will also gather, organize, and document code and data processes involved in calculating the WWRI and work with the WWRI Web Developer to create interactive data visualizations and compelling infographics. Preference is for someone who can start by Feb. 1, 2025 but we are open to other start dates.

RESIDENCY AT NCEAS:

NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. The Center is known for fostering interaction and collaboration, a characteristic that leads to the success of its scientists. NCEAS has a growing and thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and a frequent influx of leading scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in working group projects across a diverse range of initiatives. NCEAS is also a leader in data science training, offering courses and expertise in reproducible workflows, data infrastructure, and environmental statistics.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

NCEAS is committed to improving diversity and inclusion in science. We value the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, needs, and experiences reflected among our residents, visitors, and broader communities. We are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, parental status, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, citizenship status, and nationality. To see the steps we are taking to advance diversity and inclusion please see our full statement here: https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/diversity-inclusion.

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service.