Research Data Analyst , Environmental Science, Policy, and Management

Research Data Analyst 1, Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (5272C) #89414

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Mac Arthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond.

Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

The Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management is home to multidisciplinary research programs that recognize the urgency of the challenges–and the enormous opportunities–that may lead to transformative change. We have award-winning faculty in climate science, biodiversity, environmental policy, land use, and community outreach who are all driven by a collective interest in our environmental future.

The Coastal Climate Resilience Lab (PI: Rachel Carlson) seeks a Research Data Analyst 1 in remote sensing and geospatial analysis. This is a part-time position (20 hours per week).

The Research Data Analyst 1 will conduct data analysis supporting two ongoing research collaborations:

• Remote sensing of freshwater plumes in California (PI Carlson and co-PIs Albert Ruhi and Kelly Hondula)
• Effects of land use and land cover on nearshore marine environments (PI Carlson).

This position involves preparing and analyzing ecological datasets using established remote sensing and geospatial methods under the direct supervision of other researchers. The Research Data Analyst 1 will apply data science and quantitative modeling methods to map freshwater flux in the marine environment and evaluate interlocking patterns in human-dominated landscapes and benthic ecosystems. This position works on a team to coordinate data cleaning, quality control, and code documentation;

complete computational analyses; and prepare data visualizations that display analytical results for internal review.

The Research Data Analyst 1 would be based in the research laboratory of PI Dr. Rachel Carlson on the UC Berkeley campus. They would also be co-mentored by Dr. Albert Ruhi (co-PI, ESPM, Berkeley) and remotely by Dr. Kelly Hondula (Arizona State University). They would receive additional guidance from at least one PhD student. Remote working arrangements are considered.

The Research Data Analyst 1 would have the opportunity to participate in campus data science, wilderness first aid, and other professional development opportunities. They would have the opportunity to attend one USA-based conference each year. The PI’s group provides a supportive work environment that recognizes and supports people of diverse identities and needs and prioritizes inclusive practices and field safety.

The First Review Date for this job is October 26, 2026. For full consideration, please apply by the first review date.

50%

• Under direct supervision, performs basic statistical and data analysis.
• Apply existing code to new data found from an online repository to deliver code outputs.
• Apply an existing code script (existing method) to data on inputs to the California coastline.
• Create reports and basic visualizations on results.

15%

• Suppo…