Postdoctoral Scholar - Wildfire Intelligence

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Irvine (UCI), invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position beginning as early as Dec. 1, 2025.

Position Description

Wildfires are rapidly emerging as one of the most urgent climate and resilience challenges, with growing impacts on ecosystems, communities and national security. The University of California, Irvine invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to join a crossdisciplinary team advancing an integrated “Wildfire Intelligence” framework. The project brings together expertise in hydrology, Earth system science, fire ecology, climate extremes, computer science, AI/ML, environmental engineering and materials science to transform how society anticipates, manages and adapts to wildfire risks.

The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to three core research pillars: AI-driven fire prediction and reasoning systems; Earth observation–based assessment tools for damage assessment; and scenario modeling of future risks. The prospective scholar will also contribute in development of training and educational materials.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in civil/environmental engineering, Earth system science, computer science, or a related field (by start date).
• Strong background in one or more of the following: wildfire science, AI/ML, Earth observation, or computational modeling.
• Evidence of scholarly excellence (publications, presentations, code/data products).
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and working with practitioners to translate science into practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The initial appointment will be for 24 months, renewable, subject to performance and continuation of project funding. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes health insurance and benefits.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publications, and contact information for three references to our online RECRUIT system at: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09932

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

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.

• “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.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.