Shipley Skinner Conservation Science Call for Proposals
Background
The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) and the College of Natural and Agricultural
Sciences (CNAS) of the University of California at Riverside announce a Call for Proposals for
Graduate Students and Postdocs desiring to perform research on the Shipley-Skinner Reserve in
Riverside County or in lands broadly adjacent to the reserve. In 1991, the Metropolitan Water
District (MWD) of Southern California initiated a management plan to recognize and govern
habitat values on lands acquired to mitigate the projected impacts of MWD's water development
projects in Western Riverside County. Asked to provide research in habitat protection,
monitoring, and restoration, CNAS instituted this call to address these issues in the region. In
2001, the area of research expanded to other reserves in the county as the County of Riverside
established an endowment to the CCB for the study of conservation issues affecting Riverside
County.
Proposals Scope
Proposed research can include the monitoring of the status and dynamics of landscapes,
ecosystems, or species of conservation concern. Both applications and theoretically oriented
research is encouraged. Research activities may include experimental, observational, or
modeling approaches. Any regional species or ecosystem spanning to wildland to urban interface
in Riverside County or directly affecting Riverside County is acceptable. Project duration is
expected to be of one year; July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Submission of Proposals
Proposals are limited to three pages in length (Minimum 11 pt font, single spaced, 3-page limit
excludes cited references and budget). A proposal includes the following information:
● PI name, name, title, total budget requested
● Justification and Rationale - a brief statement on the need for the research
● Research Plan - including plans for data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Not included in the three pages maximum but required on separate pages:
● References
● Budget and Budget Narrative - provide details regarding the use of funds for each line
item of the budget. These can include graduate student summer or up to one quarter
stipends and benefits. The budget should reflect the costs needed to conduct the proposed
research during the project duration. Indirect costs will not be funded. Proposals should
not exceed $28,000.
● Data management plan
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by UCR faculty based on their scientific merit and their potential to
address regional conservation problems that span the urban to wildland continuum. Preference
will be given to graduate student research and projects that can provide critical results for future
extramural support.
Final Report
A final report will be required at the end of the project period. This report must include specific
recommendations for maintenance and enhancement of the habitat and/or species or regional
conservation issues. All data and other products must be submitted to the CCB or publicly
available repository. The report will be posted on the CCB website (ccb.ucr.edu). The plan for
the use of the products for future extramural funding should be described. Previous reports may
be used in consideration of funding.
Proposal Submission
Responses to this Call must be submitted before 5:00 p.m (PDT) on 15 May 2026. Award
announcements are planned for 1 June 2026.
Send as a single pdf to: caroline.benitez@ucr.edu
Center for Conservation Biology
Attn: Caroline Benitez
caroline.benitez@ucr.edu
University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0334
For additional information contact:
Darrel Jenerette, Director Center for Conservation Biology
darrel.jenerette@ucr.edu
N.B. – We will host a proposal workshop to help answer questions and discuss framing
proposals!
______________________________________________________________________
Project Scientist Series in Center for Conservation Biology (Open Search)
The Department of Center for Conservation Biology at the University of California, Riverside
anticipates openings for appointments in the Project Scientist Series.
Project Scientists are expected to make significant and creative contributions to research or
scholarly projects within their academic discipline. While they do not typically serve as principal
investigators, they play a critical role in advancing research through their specialized expertise.
In addition, Project Scientists may engage in university and public service.
Candidates should possess a broad range of knowledge and technical competency, extensive
work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training), and a strong publication record in their field.
Appointment and advancement in this series are based on professional achievements and the
impact of their technical contributions to the respective research field.
Appointments may be made on a full-time, part-time, or without-salary basis. Initial
appointments are typically for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be
commensurate with experience and qualifications. The current base pay range for this position is
$76,700 to $201,900.
Basic qualifications required at the time of application include an earned Ph.D. degree or its
equivalent.
Preferred qualifications for this position include Candidates should possess a broad range of
knowledge and technical competency, extensive work experience (e.g., postdoctoral training),
and a strong publication record in their field.
To apply, please submit the following materials to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02168 :
Curriculum Vitae (required)
Cover Letter (optional)
Contact information for three references (required)
Review of applications will begin on 12/1/2025 – non-Senate is minimum of 30 days after
open date.
For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Rebecca Nistor,
Academic Personnel, at rebeccan@ucr.edu.
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally
diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of
Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A
commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.
We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our
undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service
activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
University of California, Riverside
Center for Conservation Biology Department
opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of
UCR.
For more information on UC’s criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel
Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal
(https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).
The University of California 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 under
state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and
anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
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.
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. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the
vendor that administers this process for the campus.
For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third
Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy,
please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.
______________________________________________________________________
Specialist Series in Center for Conservation Biology (Open Search)
The Department of Center for Conservation Biology at the University of California, Riverside
anticipates openings for appointments in the Specialist Series.
Specialists are expected to make significant contributions to research projects in their area of
expertise. While they typically do not lead independent research, they provide essential support
through their specialized knowledge, skills, and experience. Specialists may contribute to the
design and execution of research, manage laboratory operations, collect and analyze data, and/or
develop and maintain research tools and resources.
Candidates should demonstrate a high level of expertise in their discipline and the ability to
make independent, innovative contributions to research activities. Appointment and
advancement in this series are based on the quality and significance of their specialized
contributions, as well as their professional competence and activities. In some cases, Specialists
may also engage in University and public service relevant to their area of specialization.
Appointments may be made on a full-time, part-time, or without-salary basis. Initial
appointments are typically for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be
commensurate with experience and qualifications. The current base pay range for this position is
$55,000 to $194,800.
Basic qualifications required at the time of application per rank include:
Junior Specialist - Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or
equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience, e.g., with instrumentation and research
equipment, software programs, social science research methods, humanities scholarship, or
creative activities.
Assistant Specialist - Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a master’s degree (or
equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant
specialization.
Associate Specialist - Appointees to the Associate rank should possess a master’s degree (or
equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant
specialization. Associate Specialists are normally expected to have a record of academic
accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field and a
demonstrated record of university and/or public service.
Full Specialist - Appointees to the full Specialist rank should possess a terminal degree (or
equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant
specialization. Specialists at full rank are normally expected to have a significant record of
academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field,
professional recognition in the field, and a demonstrated record of university and/or public
service.
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
University of California, Riverside
Center for Conservation Biology Department
To apply, please submit the following materials to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02171 :
Curriculum Vitae (required)
Cover Letter (optional)
Contact information for three references (required)
Review of applications will begin on 12/1/2025 – non-Senate is minimum of 30 days after
open date.
For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Rebecca Nistor,
Academic Personnel, at rebeccan@ucr.edu.
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally
diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of
Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A
commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.
We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate us
undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service
activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are
opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of
UCR. For more information on UC’s criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel
Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal
(https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).
The University of California 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 under
state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and
anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
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.
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. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the
vendor that administers this process for the campus.
For the University of California' s Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third
Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
University of California, Riverside
Center for Conservation Biology Department
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy,
please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Postdoctoral Scholar Series in Center for Conservation Biology (Open Search)
The Department of Center for Conservation Biology at the University of California, Riverside
anticipates openings for appointments in the Postdoctoral Scholar Series.
Postdoctoral Scholars contribute to the academic community by enhancing the research and
education programs of the University. They bring expertise and creativity that enrich the research
environment for all members of the University community, including graduate and
undergraduate students. Postdoctoral Scholars work under the supervision of a faculty mentor
and contribute to the intellectual environment of the research group and the broader academic
community.
Candidates should demonstrate strong research potential, advanced knowledge in their area of
study, and a commitment to further developing their expertise. Appointments in this series are
intended to provide a period of advanced training and professional development in preparation
for independent careers.
Initial appointments are typically for a two-year term, subject to exceptions, and may be eligible
for renewal. Salary and level will be determined based on qualifications and experience. The
current base pay range for this position is $66,737 to $82,836.
Basic qualifications required at the time of application include Applicants must possess a Ph.D.
degree by date of employment.
To apply, please submit the following materials to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02174 :
Curriculum Vitae (required)
Cover Letter (optional)
Review of applications will begin on 11/15/2025 – Guideline III is minimum of 14 days after
open date.
For questions regarding application procedures or requirements, please contact Rebecca Nistor,
Academic Personnel, at rebeccan@ucr.edu.
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally
diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association
of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities
(HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a
preferred qualification.
We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate
our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional
service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials
are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
University of California, Riverside
Center for Conservation Biology Department
mission of UCR. For more information on UC’s criteria for successful faculty, refer to the
Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal
(https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).
The University of California 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 under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to
undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a
Federal and State contractor.
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.
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. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through
Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.
For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and
Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf
________________________________________________________________________________
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