Senior Research Associate in Vegetation and Fire Modelling
Develop advanced modelling frameworks to investigate wildfire dynamics and ecosystem recovery as part of the CoFLAME project.
Best for:Best for quantitative environmental scientists and modellers with experience in Earth system or vegetation modeling and Unix/Linux programming skills.
Overview
The University of Bristol invites applications for a Senior Research Associate to join the Evolutionary Biology department and contribute to the Copernicus Fire and Land-Atmosphere Modelling of Emissions (CoFLAME) project. Working alongside Professor Martin De Kauwe and international consortium partners, the successful candidate will develop process-oriented models to simulate vegetation recovery, mortality, and post-fire ecosystem dynamics. The role combines data synthesis, model development, and satellite dataset analysis to improve predictions of land-atmosphere carbon fluxes under climate change. Applicants will hold a PhD in a quantitative discipline and possess robust computing skills in Unix/Linux environments.
What you'll do
- Develop and apply innovative modelling approaches to represent vegetation responses and recovery following wildfire events.
- Investigate the impacts of fire on vegetation structure, carbon cycling, and ecosystem legacy effects.
- Analyze observational and satellite datasets to derive process-oriented insights into post-fire ecosystem dynamics.
- Collaborate closely with international partners within the CoFLAME consortium to integrate fire-vegetation interactions into land surface models.
- Contribute to scientific publications and present research findings within project meetings and academic conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD (or soon to be awarded) in mathematics, vegetation modelling, physics, atmospheric science, or similar quantitative discipline
Language: English; excellent written and verbal proficiency required
Instruction: English
Publications: Strong research and publication track record relative to career opportunity
- Significant experience in ecosystem, vegetation, land surface, or Earth system modelling
- Demonstrated programming and computing skills in a Unix/Linux environment
- Strong research and publication track record relative to career opportunity
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an international multidisciplinary team
- Applicants must hold or be close to completing a relevant PhD degree
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-05 (Europe/London)
Interested applicants should submit their application through the University of Bristol online portal before the specified closing date. Informal inquiries can be directed to Professor Martin De Kauwe via email.
- CV
- Cover letter
Contact
Martin De Kauwe· Professor of Global Change Ecology
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