NCEAS Wildfire Resilience Index Data Analyst (Associate Specialist) in the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis

The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at UCSB seeks a data analyst to support a research program focused on constructing a retrospective analysis of our a Wildfire Resilience Index (WRI) 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. In this project, we will be retrospectively calculating the WRI for the period 2005-2025. This retrospective effort will allow us both to assess the performance of the index over time and to evaluate the efficacy of wildfire treatments, management strategies, and interventions at spatial and temporal scales that have not previously been possible. As part of this multi- year project, you will work together as part of a dynamic project team, including an expert working group, a project lead, and a web developer. Together, this team is advancing the first long-term, quantitative, applied assessment of wildfire resilience across the western United States and Canada. This position will be based at NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California.

Position Description

As a successful Data Analyst, you will bring strong analytical skills and domain knowledge to support the development of a suite of indicators and a comprehensive framework to quantitatively measure wildfire resilience at scales directly relevant to management. This position offers significant opportunities to apply and expand a diverse analytical skillset at the critical interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions. You will play a key role in building robust data pipelines and reproducible analytical workflows to integrate heterogeneous sources of data-including tabular datasets, geospatial information, and remote sensing products-into the project framework. A central part of this work will involve the use of advanced machine learning methods, including AI-driven approaches, to accelerate analyses, uncover patterns across vast datasets, and improve the accuracy and scalability of resilience assessments. Preference is for someone who can begin by February 1, 2026.

• Master's degree in environmental science, earth science, ecology, data science,
  computer science, or a related field

• At least 4 years of experience in data analysis
• Clean, efficient coding abilities, in both R and Python
• Experience using machine learning techniques to process and analyze larger datasets
• Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and disparate data sources
• Ability to communicate complex information using data visualization techniques
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, paired with the ability to develop creative and efficient solutions
• Interpersonal communication skills to collaborate with diverse scientific teams
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team

• 3 required (contact information only)

Three references (name and contact info only). The top candidate's references will be contacted before the final job offer.

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.