Post-Doctoral Position - Evaluation of Local Climate Action Projects
Urban Land Use and Transportation Center
Institute of Transportation Studies
University of California, Davis

The UC Davis Urban Land Use and Transportation Center (ULTRANS) invites applications for a Post-Doctoral researcher.

California’s path-breaking climate change policy has created a need for better information about how cities and metropolitan regions can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Senate Bill 375, signed into law in 2008, requires the state to set goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at the local level and provides incentives for local governments to implement policies such as compact development to reduce vehicle travel. Meeting these objectives requires an improved understanding of the relative effectiveness of alternative policies and practices.

The successful candidate will work with an established research team to develop and implement a series of case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Based on these case studies, we will develop standardized protocols that can be used by local authorities to evaluate the effectiveness of their projects. This project will begin approximately when the candidate will begin work, so this is an opportunity for someone to be involved in a large project from the start.

The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in urban planning, economics, geography, or a related field, and will have experience in research design and quantitative research methods, particularly in methods specific to program evaluation. We seek a team member who is a self-starter and independent worker, and will contribute materially to both the research design and implementation phases of the work. Strong writing and oral communication skills are essential.

This project is a part of the activities of ULTRANS and the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis). ULTRANS and ITS-Davis researchers have provided substantive input to the design and analysis of the entire array of California’s recently-adopted transport-related climate policies and laws, including those targeting vehicles, fuels, and vehicle travel. ULTRANS (http://ultrans.its.ucdavis.edu/) was created in 2008 to support the design and implementation of new land use and transportation policies through research, education, and outreach. ITS-Davis (http://www.its.ucdavis.edu/index.php) was established in 1991 and is now an internationally-recognized leader in the field of transportation, with more than 60 affiliated faculty and researchers and over 100 graduate students.

The initial term of the position will be one year, with the possibility of renewal if funds allow. The start date is flexible, but we would prefer a Summer 2010 start (or earlier, if possible). The salary and benefits package are competitive, and we offer a collegial and intellectually-stimulating work environment.

Applications should be submitted electronically to Liz Grassi, eagrassi@ucdavis.edu, no later than April 1, 2010. The application should include a letter of interest that describes relevant experience, a current CV, a sample of work, and contact information for at least three references.

The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The University undertakes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for underutilized minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for covered veterans. University policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal law.