The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), in collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), is seeking up to 3 postdoctoral researchers to lead in the development and execution of applied research projects in environmental and resource economics. emLab and EDF are pursuing joint projects to bolster cost-effective climate solutions. With a focus on strengthening compliance markets and designing credible nature-based solutions, our portfolio aims to identify new frameworks, incentives, and institutional design principles to enhance the design of carbon markets. The successful candidate will contribute to this portfolio with research focused on natural resource management, nature-based climate solutions, or carbon pricing.

The Environmental Markets Lab is a team of scientists based at UC Santa Barbara that advances economic research to deliver practical solutions for people and the planet. In collaboration with implementing partners, we design, test, and implement scalable solutions that work across boundaries—connecting science with policy, data with decisions, and ambition with action—to create pathways toward a future where environmental and human wellbeing mutually reinforce one another. We endeavor to foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment to bring interdisciplinary expertise to solve critical environmental problems. The Environmental Defense Fund is a global science, economics, and advocacy organization working to stabilize the climate, strengthen the ability for people and nature to thrive, and protect people’s health. Originally founded in the U.S. in 1967, EDF started by bringing lawsuits to ban the use of the pesticide DDT in New York. Over its 50+ year history, EDF has worked with partners to introduce science and market-based solutions to solve environmental, health, business, and climate problem including California’s cap and trade, now cap and invest program, the U.S. Acid Rain Program, catch share fisheries programs that restored U.S. fish populations, and putting methane warming and action on the map with seminal research, policy gains, and finally launching its own measurement satellite (MethaneSAT). EDF has a staff of over 1,000 and works primarily in the U.S., the EU, India, and China.

The candidate will have the opportunity to work with Christopher Costello, the emLab Research Director and EDF Chief Economist. The successful candidate(s) will work with emLab and EDF, and can also allocate a fraction of their time to their own research.

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.

Applicant must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) or be enrolled in a PhD program in economics with a focus in environmental and resource economics, or a closely related discipline, at the time of application.

PhD in economics with a focus in environmental and resource economics, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment.

The ideal candidate(s) should have training in economic theory, econometrics, and/or other quantitative research tools, an interest and track record in publishing in top science and/or economics journals, and the ability to translate research into actionable policy recommendations.

• A minimum of 3 years of academic or applied research experience in econometric methods and/or economic theory related to natural resource management, nature-based solutions, or carbon pricing;
• Excellent quantitative and modeling skills including advanced coding in R, Stata, Python, and/or Matlab;
• An interest and track record in publishing in top academic journals;
• Proficiency using GitHub and other modern data management, sharing, and presentation interfaces;
• Proficiency with LaTeX;
• Ability to balance a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously;
• Excellent communication skills to contribute to reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications, deliver presentations, and translate scientific concepts for diverse audiences;
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with academic, NGO, and government partners, and to work effectively as part of a highly collaborative research team.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Writing Sample - Submit paper or other writing sample

• 3 required (contact information only)

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.