As the Restoration Research Mentor (UCSB Assistant Researcher I), you will work with the Director of Ecosystem Management and the Ecological Restoration team at the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration (Cheadle Center) to lead our research and monitoring mentorship program (RAMMP). Your duties will include developing a research program that builds on the ecological restoration and conservation work of the Cheadle Center and provides meaningful research experiences for UCSB undergraduate students.
It is expected that the Assistant Researcher will maintain a productive and scholarly ecological research program that will align with the Cheadle Center mission. Research topics could include wildlife use of restored areas, comparison of restoration strategies, plant-soil interactions, carbon sequestration, rare plant conservation, assessment of human impacts on ecological function, human use of open space studies, disturbance ecology, plant physiology and other community ecology and conservation topics.
The incumbent will have the opportunity to work within the Cheadle Center’s restored natural areas on campus (350 ac) and on collaborating partner’s land. Campus projects include the recently completed 100 acre estuary restoration project (North Campus Open Space), the novel use of prescribed fire to restore annual wildflowers, perennial grasslands, and geophytes, planned restoration of a former oil tank farm into diverse vernal pool, grassland, wetland and coastal sage scrub habitats, among others The position is initially funded for one year, with the expectation that the successful candidate will create a self-sustaining research program by securing grants. This effort will enable the continuation and expansion of the role over time.
The position benefits from the strong backing and fundraising mentorship experience of the Cheadle Center for Ecological Restoration, a UCSB research center with a proven track record of raising significant funding—over $30 million in the past decade—from a variety of sources, including but not limited to major federal, state, and local agencies (USFWS Section 6, Wildlife Conservation Board, State Coastal Conservancy, Santa Barbara Foundation, Coastal Fund). The successful candidate in the Restoration Assistant Researcher Role will be mentored by staff experienced in both fundraising and in developing research projects across the restoration sites managed by the Cheadle Center. This exempt position is full time and reports to the Director of Ecosystem Management.
This position is being offered at the Assistant Researcher I level and requires a PhD in ecology, conservation, botany, or a related field. We are looking for well-rounded candidates who are interested in mentoring undergraduate students, have aligned ecological experience and interest, and who have strong collaborative skills. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant qualifications, and a writing sample (e.g., a peer reviewed publication, report or other product). Please send initial inquiries to Lisa Stratton, Director of Ecosystem Management: stratton@ccber.ucsb.edu