Plastics Data Scientist (Assistant/Associate Specialist)

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory (www.bosl.ucsb.edu) is an applied research center at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute. The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory team works to leverage the power of science and technology to develop and implement tangible solutions to a wide range of environmental problems.

The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory seeks an Assistant or Associate Specialist with expertise in data science, ideally with applications in plastic pollution, industrial ecology, waste management, circularity, recycling, or related topics. The position will lead the identification, procurement, and harmonization of diverse data sets. The successful candidate will bring a desire and excitement to take on ambitious and challenging circular economy data questions with real- world applicability, and an enthusiasm to collaborate closely with Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory research staff and external partners.

The Assistant or Associate Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

• Identify data sets on production, consumption, and waste management related to single use plastic and packaging. Data will be procured from diverse sources, including but not limited to government (local, state, and national), industry, and academia. Considerable focus in the position will be given to analyses of data sets from California.
• Manage, synthesize, and analyze data to identify trends, develop insights, and measure progress against policy goals.
• Independently or collaboratively develop external-facing interactive data visualizations for communicating key findings to a broad, non-technical audience.
• Partner with senior staff at Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory to collaborate and communicate findings with government agency experts, industry leaders, and environmental non-governmental organization professionals and decision-makers.

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/

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position title: Assistant or Associate Specialist

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position at 100% time is $61,900 to $87,300.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Position start date is negotiable and anticipated to ideally start in August 2025.

Position duration: The initial appointment is for 1 year from the start date with the possibility of reappointment, contingent upon performance and funding.

 

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: May 20, 2025

Next review date: Sunday, Jun 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 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.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, data science, industrial ecology, economics, materials science, engineering or related field plus having three or more years of relevant experience.

OR

A master’s degree in environmental science, data science, industrial ecology, economics, materials science, engineering or related field.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Employment at the Associate Specialist level may be considered for applicants with a master’s degree or having at least 5 years of experience demonstrating expertise in a relevant area.

Preferred qualifications

• Excellent quantitative and data analysis skills including programming in R, Python, Matlab, or similar
• Experience, familiarity, or interest in learning more about data related to plastic production, consumption, and waste management, particularly related to single-use plastic and/or plastic packaging in California
• Experience procuring and working with government and industry data
• Experience visualizing data in creative ways to tell compelling stories via static and dynamic graphics for non-technical audiences, including design of web- based visualizations
• Familiarity with the topics of plastic pollution, recycling, circular economy, life-cycle assessment, and material flow analysis
• Proven record of independently leading research projects
• Experience in statistical modeling, understanding of bias, variance, and confounding factors, ensuring robust and interpretable results across diverse datasets
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with collaborators in government, industry, and non-governmental organizations

 

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “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.