Research Scientist

The Research Division of the California Air Resources Board is looking for an enthusiastic, personable, and technically inclined Research Scientist to lead comprehensive research projects that update our understanding of the direct and indirect interactions between air quality, climate, and Natural and Working Lands (NWL) at the state, national, and international levels. The candidate will focus on advancing the methodologies for tracking GHG emissions and reductions, carbon sequestration, and other benefits from NWL, all of which are essential for demonstrating progress toward the 2045 carbon neutrality goal. Duties include data analysis, research planning, contract management, stakeholder engagement and outreach, report writing, and presenting to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Under supervision of an Air Resources Supervisor I, the successful candidate will work closely with a team of experts with breadths of experiences not limited to data analytics, contract management, ambient air monitoring, computer programming, air quality and emissions modeling, and communication. The section collectively evaluates the direct and indirect interactions between air quality, climate, and NWL in alignment with AB 1757, AB 617, the Scoping Plan, and the State Implementation Plan (SIP) objectives; supports the policy decisions related to Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) mitigation strategies; informs emission inventories, natural carbon sequestration efforts, and nature-based climate solutions programs; and conducts research to advance the methodologies for tracking GHG emissions and reductions, carbon sequestration, and other benefits from NWL.

This position is for you if you want to use your scientific knowledge and creative research to address complex climate change mitigation challenges for our future generations!

The most competitive candidate will have fluency in AB 1757, AB 617, Scoping Plan, SIP, ecological principles, carbon stock, wildfires, forest ecosystems, agricultural burning, prescribed burning, climate change, greenhouse gases, satellite remote sensing, air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, cropland agriculture, wetlands, dairy and livestock operations, environmental science, Eddy-Covariance flux emission estimation methods, vegetation fuel types, and ambient air monitoring; knowledge of the interactions between air quality, climate, and NWL; various sources that emit volatile organic compounds and air toxics; experiences in database development; demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; intuitive understanding of quality assessment and quality control techniques; data processing using computer programming languages (e.g., Python); application development (e.g., Power App); expertise in GIS and source apportionment (e.g., Positive Matrix Factorization [PMF] models); expertise in DNDC, DAYCENT, MEGAN, and BDSNP; knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations related to air quality; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms; strong visual communication skills; experiences in writing technical and non-technical documents; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to independently complete tasks; works well in teams; excellent attention to details; supervision and mentoring experiences; conflict resolution training; team building; ability to travel.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework. The amount of telework is at the agency's discretion and is based on the California Air Resources Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required. 

The positions at the CARB may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria outlined in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of hybrid telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• Requires being stationary, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)  
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.