Research Fellow - Tree Mortality

The position is part of the ERC-funded project TreeMort, which aims to understand and quantify how rates and drivers of tree mortality vary across the globe, and thus better constrain projections of terrestrial carbon uptake. The research fellow will carry out exciting and crucial analysis of tree mortality rates across a range of different forest inventories globally.

 

Summary of Role

• Compile and maintain a large database of forest inventory observations of tree mortality, working with multiple partners
• Analyse this database to identify rates and drivers of tree mortality, and compile a biogeography of global tree mortality.
• Assist in translating these results to inform global ecosystem modelling.
• Present research outputs to a variety of audiences.
• Contribute to a supportive working atmosphere for all group members.

 

Candidate requirements

•  PhD degree in a natural or physical science subject (e.g. ecology, environmental science, physics, mathematics), or similar, or equivalent qualifications.
• Interest in ecological processes, experience working or studying in ecology or plant physiology advantageous but not essential.
• Demonstrated strengths in statistical analysis and processing of large datasets, including the ability to use appropriate software (e.g. R, Matlab, Python).
• High level analytical capability.
• Able to self-organise and work on own initiative towards the goals of the project.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Willingness to contribute to the planning and organising of the research project and related activities, including project administration.
• Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, and ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Willingness to travel, and work as part of an international team.

 

Main Duties / Responsibilities

The responsibilities may include:

• Assist in the design and compilation of the inventory database.
• Analysis of inventory, and ancillary data, to meet project aims.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Collect research data, for instance through literature reviews and model simulations.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students.
• Publish novel high-quality scientific results in the peer-previewed literature.
• Present research outputs at seminars, workshops and conferences.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding and developing own research proposals.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research and research group activities.
• Contribute to public engagement activities.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.