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Postdoctoral researcher - Low carbon transition of electricity systems, Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

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Position Number: 6955684
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Science - Other Science

Postdoctoral researcher - Low carbon transition of electricity systems, Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral researcher - Low carbon transition of electricity systems Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position at 100% time is $69,073 to $85,000. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: The start date is negotiable. Ideally the position starts May 1, 2026 or later. Position duration: This is a 2-year initial appointment Application Window

Open date: February 23, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Mar 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab - https://emlab.ucsb.edu) and Clean Energy Transformation Lab (CETlab - https://cetlab.es.ucsb.edu/) at the University of California Santa Barbara invite applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position to lead research in low-carbon transitions in electricity systems in India and other regions. Efforts will include developing operations and planning models of electricity systems, power flow and transmission analysis, load forecasting, and climate impacts analysis. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and open-source modeling software, present research findings to a diverse group of stakeholders, conduct training of stakeholders, and develop policy briefs and reports for funders and agencies. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with the PI, Ranjit Deshmukh, as well as with emLab and CETlab graduate students, postdocs, and lab collaborators.

The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) 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 well being mutually reinforce one another. We endeavor to foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment to bring interdisciplinary expertise to solve critical environmental problems. The CETlab focuses on low carbon and just transitions in energy systems by applying energy systems modeling, empirical analyses, and social science research methods. Ongoing CETlab projects are focused on understanding and supporting clean energy transitions in the United States, India, and Sub-Saharan Africa through modeling and development of decision-support tools. Lab projects include the Multi-criteria Analysis for Planning Renewable Energy (MapRE) initiative, a spatial analysis platform for planning renewable energy deployment, and GridPath, an electricity system planning and operations analysis platform.

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.

Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. (or equivalent) except the dissertation in engineering, interdisciplinary energy studies, or a related field at the time of application.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

PhD in engineering, interdisciplinary energy studies, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Domain knowledge in energy studies, power systems, renewable energy grid integration, and optimization models.

Extensive experience with managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets and strong programming skills especially in Python.

Experience working with transmission power flow and machine learning models.

Strong scientific writing, presentation skills, and interest in and track record of publishing in top academic journals is preferred.

Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with academic, NGO and government partners, and to work effectively as part of a highly collaborative research team.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Writing Sample - Submit paper or other writing sample

Reference requirements

3 required (contact information only)

The search committee will contact references of the top candidate(s) after the interviews. After references are checked, a top candidate will be chosen.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03065

Help contact: lswanson@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara

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.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA UCSB

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03065