Research Fellow in Forest Methane Modelling - School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Scie[...]

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham seeks a researcher for the DefMet project to investigate methane exchange in forests. This full-time role requires a PhD in a numerate scientific field and significant experience in ecological modelling, focusing on integrating findings into publishable research. The position offers opportunities for national and international collaboration.

Qualifications

• First degree and PhD in a numerate scientific subject required.
• Experience in ecological modelling essential, preferably in forest modelling.
• High competence in computer programming, with C++ advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop LPJ-GUESS vegetation model to integrate methane dynamics.
• Analyse and interpret data for publication and presentations.
• Supervise students and contribute to research.

Skills

Ecological modelling

Analytical capability

Computer programming

Independence

Communication skills

Education

First degree in area of specialism

PhD (or near to completion) in a numerate scientific subject

Job description

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2027

Closing date: 24th June 2025

UK and International travel may be required for this role

'Open House' Drop In Session:We will be holding an ‘open house’ drop in session at the University’s Exchange building, in Centenary Square, Birmingham, between 10am and 5pm on Friday 6th June 2025. If you’re interested in working at the University of Birmingham and perhaps have a few questions, this is an opportunity to meet colleagues in the Recruitment team. It will be a relaxed and informal event – you can drop in at any time.

Background

Part of the DefMet project (Is Tropical Deforestation Contributing to the Rise in Atmospheric Methane?), funded within the NERC Pushing the Frontiers scheme, this role will contribute to understanding upland forest methane exchange and how deforestation in shaping 21st Century atmospheric methane concentrations. It builds on recent work by the PI (Gauci et al 2024, Nature) and will integrate modelling methane exchange in upland trees with the LPJ-GUESS dynamic global vegetation model to identify past, current and future changes in this new-found methane sink. This will include the planning of model developments, carrying out model developments, preparing and analysing observational datasets, designing experimental protocols, carrying out the related simulations and analysis, and leading writing of peer-reviewed papers based on the results. The fellow is expected to contribute substantially to the intellectual development of the work and will work closely with other team members who are collecting data in tropical forests. Participation in national and international meetings and workshops related to the above is expected, as is carrying out related administration and communication activities. The recruit will work with Dr Peter Hopcroft and Dr Thomas Pugh and Prof. Vincent Gauci.

Role Summary

• Work within the DefMet interdisciplinary project team.
• Investigate methane exchange in upland trees drawing on information derived from parallel field studies spanning a rainfall gradient in Ghana (and elsewhere) and modify empirical models of tree methane exchange accordingly, integrating them into LPJ-GUESS
• Work with the other team members, including field ecologists and the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana to delivernew understanding of how forests interact with climate
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop and apply the LPJ-GUESS vegetation model to integrate new knowledge on methane emission and uptake dynamics
• Analyse and interpret data
• Integrate these findings into publishable work, disseminate findings for publication, research seminars and for presentation at conferences, etc
• Collaborate with the wider interdisciplinary project team to develop potential overlaps in findings and applications where possible
• Contribute to the supervision of students on related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline and reciprocally support fellow lab colleagues.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism andPhD (or near to completion) in a numerate scientific subject
• An understanding of forest ecophysiological processes is desirable as well as wider issues relating to the methane cycle
• Demonstrated experience in ecological modelling, with a focus on forest modelling advantageous
• High level analytical capability
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• High level of competence in computer programming, with C++ an advantage.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly with very good proficiency in English
• Ability to work independently and use initiative in research projects
• Good self-organisation skills
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Experience of contributing to the planning and organising research programmes and/or specific research projects
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort, and also to generate collaborative opportunities
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Lesley Boyle, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .