Algal Bloom Modeling & Remote Sensing Project Scientist

Position overview Position title: Algal Bloom Modeling & Remote Sensing Project Scientist Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step  the scale titled, X. A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

A reasonable estimate for this position is $80,800 - $87,900. Percent time: Full-time (100%) Anticipated start: August 1, 2026 Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding. Application Window

Open date: February 4, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Mar 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 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

Professor Raphael Kudela in the Department of Ocean Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz invites applications for the position of Assistant Project Scientist in Harmful Algal Bloom Modeling and Remote Sensing.

The successful candidate will apply state-of-the-art techniques to develop remote-sensing and statistical models for understanding and prediction of harmful algae in the San Francisco Bay-Delta system and coastal California. Specific research tasks include numerical modeling of ocean color remote sensing spectra, comparison of validation (in situ) and satellite data to assess and fine-tune algorithm performance, and development of statistical models to identify areas of elevated concern for algal blooms.

The assistant project scientist will work under the direct supervision of Professor Raphael Kudela and is expected to collaborate closely with researchers at the US Geological Survey and San Francisco Estuary Institute as part of a collaborative project. The position will require the incumbent to collaborate successfully with other team members, particularly with regards to analysis and synthesis of large datasets.

Candidates with experience in any of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• familiarity with data processing and NetCDF format;
• working knowledge of programming/scientific languages (Fortran, Python, R, etc.) and Linux; and/or
• ability to summarize scientific findings in the form of peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations.

Ocean Sciences Deaprtment: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Kudela Biological Oceanography Lab: /

Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in marine science or related field such as oceanography, marine biology, aquatic biology, etc.
• A minimum of four years of full-time, post-degree experience in marine ecosystem modeling and/or remote sensing.
• Experience with implementation and analysis of statistical models such as logistic regression and random forests.
• Knowledge of ecological properties of the California Current Ecosystem.
• Knowledge of satellite remote sensing, focusing on ocean color.
• Familiarity with harmful algae in California and decadal trends in biological oceanography related to harmful algae blooms (HAB).

Application Requirements Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a list of publications. Please include DOI links or the URLs of PDFs for any publications listed on your CV. Please include the names and contact information for a minimum of three professional references. The hiring unit will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.

• Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants must provide the names and contact information of their references. The hiring unit will request confidential letters
* from the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.

* All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC's confidentiality statement at .

Apply link: /JPF
02035

Help contact: kudela

About UC Santa Cruz

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