Postdoc: Gray Whale Ecology & Bay Biology

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Santa Barbara is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to study gray whale biology and ecology in the San Francisco Bay. The role includes designing field and lab studies, leading data collection, and publishing results with collaboration from multiple institutions.

Applicants should have a PhD in biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field and be prepared to conduct fieldwork in the Bay Area and UCSB locations.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or related field by appointment.
• PhD completion (except dissertation) or equivalent is acceptable at the time of application.
• Ideal candidates will have hands‑on experience in benthic invertebrate sampling, nutritional ecology, feeding ecology, or marine mammal ecology.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of field and lab research plans with project PIs.
• Manage data collection, analyses, and publishing results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Communicate findings and engage with stakeholders and collaborators.

Skills

benthic sampling

feeding ecology

marine mammal ecology

isotope analysis

eDNA methods

UAV/drone data collection

statistical modeling

field vessel operations

Education

PhD in Biology / Ecology / Environmental Sciences

Doctoral degree required at appointment

Tools

UAV/Drone field data collection

Stable isotopes analysis

eDNA diet analysis

Sonar sampling of benthos

Job description

University of California, Santa Barbara is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to study gray whale biology and ecology in the San Francisco Bay. The role includes designing field and lab studies, leading data collection, and publishing results with collaboration from multiple institutions.

Applicants should have a PhD in biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field and be prepared to conduct fieldwork in the Bay Area and UCSB locations.