Department of Geography

ASSISTANT SPECIALIST 1

 

Area of Specialization:  Statistics and Geographic Information systems

 

Deadline for Application: The position is open until filled; but materials should arrive by July 8, 2009 for full consideration.

 

The University of California, Santa Barbara, Department of Geography, invites applicants for our NASA precipitation research project.  The position will be expected to assist in the development of global 0.05 degrees gamma distribution grids describing the historical behavior of daily, 10-day, and monthly rainfall.  These grids will then be used to develop a geo-statistical inference framework supporting several types of important analyses: i) satellite/gauge precipitation estimates, ii) statistical short-lag (1-4 month) forecasts, and iii) downscaled 21st century climate change projections.  The ideal candidate would have strong skills in statistics, Geographic Information Systems, and geographic data.  Experience in agricultural drought risk analysis, empirical climate forecasting, and agricultural climate change analysis will also be very applicable. Well developed proficiency in the statistical programming language R is highly desired, as is knowledge of other more common programming languages.

 

Please send a current curriculum vitae, a one-page summary of relevant experience and contact information for two references, in either a digital or hard copy, to: Chris Funk, Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-4060, chris@geog.ucsb.edu. 

 

Appointment will be at 100% (full-time) through March, 2010, with an annual salary starting at $38,952; continuation is contingent upon availability of funding.

 

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research and service.     

 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.