Position Description
Postdoctoral Scholar: Indirect Land Use Change Modeling
Biofuel Land Use Change Program
Institute of Transportation Studies – Global South Center
University of California, Davis
Overview
The Institute of Transportation Studies seeks a postdoctoral scholar for a new, multi-year funded research effort to evaluate and improve regulatory approaches to indirect land use change (ILUC) risk assessment and mitigation. In this role, you will work with a team of experienced alternative fuel technology and policy experts to develop new approaches to ILUC modeling, and conduct policy-focused research on ILUC risk mitigation.
Duties
The postdoctoral scholar will work with the BLU-C team to research issues related to ILUC modeling and risk mitigation, develop methods for assessing ILUC impacts from novel biofuel feedstock crops grown in the global south (e.g. macauba cultivation in Brazil). This will include developing assessment techniques for these crops that align with current regulatory practices as well as developing new approaches that may offer better mitigation of ILUC risk. The postdoctoral scholar will lead day-to-day model development and programming, contribute to research design and strategy, help guide a small, diverse research team, and engage with stakeholders and policymakers on topics related to this work.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Economics, Agricultural Development, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Other advanced degree with significant relevant career experience will also be considered.
- Experience using equilibrium models and/or econometric analysis to evaluate issues related to agricultural land use.
- Understanding of or familiarity with Indirect Land Use Change research and modeling
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one programming language/environment used for academic modeling and analysis (e.g. Python, R, GAMS, etc.)
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a small team.
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with biofuel policy and ILUC provisions under such policy.
- Track record of advanced research and publication on ILUC related topics.
- Experience using one or more existing ILUC assessment models or developing such models.
- Track record of leadership within research team or workgroup.
- Experience related to Brazilian agriculture, biofuel production, or land use policy.
To apply
University of California Postdoctoral Scholars are unionized and part of a UAW bargaining unit. Salaries are determined by the contractual agreement and set according to this scale. Postdoctoral scholars are entitled to the holidays observed at UC Davis and may also take 24 paid days of personal time off (PTO) per year.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, to Colin Murphy, cwmurphy@ucdavis.edu. With “Postdoctoral Scholar: Indirect Land Use Change Modeling”, in the subject title.
The position will remain open until filled.