Associate Project Scientist in Fire Science

Recruitment Period

The Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, with the Rausser College of Natural Sciences, at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an appointee in the Project Scientist series in the Stephens Lab, in the area of Fire Science, at 50% time with an anticipated start date of June 2021.

The mission of the Fire Science Laboratory at the University of California Berkeley is to conduct scientific research and provide academic training in the fields of wildland fire science, ecology, and resource management.
Specifically, we strive to:

• Secure funding for and perform original, quality research in wildland fire science, ecology, and management
• Participate in and encourage interdisciplinary research efforts when possible, and disseminate findings by publishing research in peer reviewed academic journals

This project is meant to evaluate agency and public understanding concerning the role of fuel breaks and fuel break systems in California. The project will propose new metrics and use them to evaluate proposed, existing, and planned fuel break installations based on short and long-term fire risk. Metrics will then be used to distinguish break segments vs. fuel break systems in Northern and Southern California. Lastly, the same set of metrics will be used to identify and assess necessary modifications to operational fire modeling approaches to evaluating fuel break effectiveness in northern and southern California. With a focus in fire weather, fire anatomy (head vs. flank vs. heel), fire response, as well as regional ecological variations (from plant species to resiliency criteria) experience with US fire suppression systems is needed.

Responsibilities include;

• Co-lead a project on evaluating the performance of fuel break systems in California with Scott Stephens and others from the Stephens’ Lab -Conduct analysis of field and simulated data on fuel break performance including the development of both qualitative and quantitative metrics (standards) needed to assess the performance of installed (and planned) individual fuel breaks, and for fuel break systems as a whole within a given region
• Write manuscripts on project results and submit them to journals for publication

Basic Qualifications (At the time of application):

• PhD or equivalent international degree

Additional Qualifications (By start date):

• Five to Six years of post PhD (or equivalent international degree) research experience

Preferred Qualifications (By start date):

• PhD or equivalent international degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental sciences, or related field
• Demonstrated experience with US fire suppression systems is desired
• Demonstrated experience with fuel break design and evaluation
• Record of authored or co-authored publications

Appointment:
This position reports to Scott Stephens. The initial appointment will be at 50% time for one year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Salary and Benefits:
This position provides full benefits. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on UC Berkeley Project Scientist salary scale (Table 37B) available at
https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2021/2020-21-revised-lx-and-ra-salary-scales/2020-21-ra-salary-scales.pdf

This position is covered by the UC-UAW collective bargaining agreement for Academic Researchers. The current contract can be found here: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/index.html. Additional information can be found on the website: http://academicresearchersunited.org/.

Letters of reference may be solicited for finalists. We will seek your permission before contacting your references.

Specific questions regarding the recruitment can be directed to Scott Stephens, Professor at sstephens@berkeley.edu.

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

The department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their work.

To Apply:
Visit: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF02890

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

More information about this recruitment: https://nature.berkeley.edu/stephenslab/

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

• 3 required (contact information only)

• Berkeley, CA