Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory Emissions Modeling Specialist (Assistant or Associate Specialist) - Marine Science Institute, UC Santa Barbara - Job #JPF03044

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POSITION OVERVIEW

Position title: Emissions Modeling Specialist (Assistant or Associate Specialist)

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position at 100% time is $64,100 to $90,300.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Position start date is negotiable and ideally anticipated to start in March 2026.

Position duration: This is a one-year initial appointment.

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: December 19, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

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

The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory (www.bosl.ucsb.edu) is an applied research center at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute. The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory team works to leverage the power of marine science and technology to develop and implement tangible solutions to a wide range of ocean problems.

The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory seeks a highly motivated Emissions Modeling Specialist to adapt and enhance an existing emissions model developed by the Benioff Lab to examine maritime shipping emissions at a global scale. By combining detailed data on vessel movement, ship characteristics, and emissions calculations, this work will produce comprehensive emissions estimates to assess efficiency and identify best practices across the shipping sector. The position will involve refining and validating the modeling approach and communicating findings through white papers, policy briefs, data visualizations, and media outreach. We anticipate this work will support stakeholder engagement with the shipping industry, inform policy discussions, and contribute to transparency improvements in the sector.

The Emissions Modeling Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

• Adapt, enhance, and validate an existing bottom-up/activity-based emissions model to examine maritime shipping emissions at a global scale. See https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25006265
• Develop deliverables including white papers, policy briefs, data visualizations, and interactive web-based tools to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences
• Build and maintain relationships with research partners and data providers to ensure access to high-quality vessel activity, fleet characteristics, and emissions data
• Engage with stakeholders including the shipping industry, international regulatory bodies (e.g., International Maritime Organization), and other relevant partners.

This appointment includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance and a UC retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, atmospheric science, marine science, data science, or related field plus having three or more years of relevant experience at the time of application.

OR

A master's degree in environmental science, atmospheric science, marine science, data science, or related field at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Employment at the Associate Specialist level may be considered for applicants with a master's degree or having at least 5 years of experience demonstrating expertise in a relevant area at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with emissions modeling (including greenhouse gases and air pollutants) or transportation modeling, with knowledge of maritime shipping or transportation sectors preferred
• Excellent quantitative and data analysis skills including programming in R, SQL, Python, or similar, and proficiency in using GitHub and other data management tools
• Experience working with large-scale vessel tracking data (e.g., AIS data), ship registries, or transportation datasets
• Experience summarizing and visualizing data in accessible and compelling formats for non-technical audiences
• Experience developing white papers, policy briefs, technical reports, or peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Proven record of independently leading research projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with collaborators in government, industry, and non-governmental organizations

ABOUT UC SANTA BARBARA

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.

• “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 or discrimination 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

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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 or federal law.

JOB LOCATION

Santa Barbara, CA (UCSB)