Professional Researcher - Coastal Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services

The University of California, Davis is hiring a Professional Researcher to develop and lead an independent research program focused on coastal ecosystems and ecosystem services. Responsibilities include evaluating climate change impacts on coastal habitats, advancing wetland ecology, and publishing research findings. The role requires securing funding and participating in professional activities. This position is based in Davis, CA, and does not involve teaching responsibilities.
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:




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.




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.
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.