Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory Emissions Modeling Specialist; Assistant or Associate Speciali

Position Overview

Position title: Emissions Modeling Specialist (Assistant or Associate Specialist)

Salary range: $64,100 to $90,300

Percent time:100%

Anticipated start: March 2026 (negotiable)

Position duration: One-year initial appointment

Open date: December 19, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026, 11:59 pm PT

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026, 11:59 pm PT

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.

The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) 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 marine science and technology to develop and implement tangible solutions to a wide range of ocean problems.

The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory seeks a highly motivated Emissions Modeling Specialist to adapt and enhance an existing emissions model developed by the Benioff Lab to examine maritime shipping emissions at a global scale. By combining detailed data on vessel movement, ship characteristics, and emissions calculations, this work will produce comprehensive emissions estimates to assess efficiency and identify best practices across the shipping sector.

The position will involve refining and validating the modeling approach and communicating findings through white papers, policy briefs, data visualizations, and media outreach. We anticipate this work will support stakeholder engagement with the shipping industry, inform policy discussions, and contribute to transparency improvements in the sector.

The Emissions Modeling Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

• Adapt, enhance, and validate an existing bottom‑up/activity‑based emissions model to examine maritime shipping emissions at a global scale. See
• Develop deliverables including white papers, policy briefs, data visualizations, and interactive web‑based tools to communicate findings to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Build and maintain relationships with research partners and data providers to ensure access to high‑quality vessel activity, fleet characteristics, and emissions data
• Engage with stakeholders including the shipping industry, international regulatory bodies (e.g., International Maritime Organization), and other relevant partners

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.

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• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, atmospheric science, marine science, data science, or related field plus having three or more years of relevant experience at the time of application.
• OR a master’s degree in environmental science, atmospheric science, marine science, data science, or related field at the time of application.

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

• Experience with emissions modeling (including greenhouse gases and air pollutants) or transportation modeling, with knowledge of maritime shipping or transportation sectors preferred
• Excellent quantitative and data analysis skills including programming in R, SQL, Python, or similar, and proficiency in using Git Hub and other data management tools
• Experience working with large‑scale vessel tracking data (e.g., AIS data), ship registries, or transportation datasets
• Experience summarizing and visualizing data in accessible and compelling formats for non‑technical audiences
• Experience developing white papers, policy briefs, technical reports, or peer‑reviewed scientific publications
• Proven record of independently leading research projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to…