Postdoctoral Fellow (Terrestrial Biosphere Model)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore, Department of Geography, invites a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow to advance terrestrial biosphere models for Southeast Asia’s carbon cycle. The role emphasizes developing diagnostics, validating against field data, and publishing in high-impact journals.

The candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field, demonstrate strong quantitative skills, and be prepared to work in a diverse interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physical Geography, Ecology, Earth System Science, or related discipline (preferably obtained within the past three years).
• Knowledge of the key processes governing the terrestrial carbon cycle; familiarity with plant physiology and/or soil biogeochemistry advantageous.
• Experience in development, application, and improvement of land surface models, dynamic vegetation models, and/or terrestrial biosphere models.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, R, or Python.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply a diagnostic terrestrial biosphere model to estimate key carbon fluxes across Southeast Asia, with specific representations of both natural and managed ecosystems.
• Conduct hypothesis-driven research to improve understanding of the land carbon cycle across diverse Southeast Asian ecosystems and their responses to environmental change.
• Lead or support field campaigns for model evaluation and validation, and facilitate communication and collaboration among research teams and project partners.
• Present research findings at international conferences and publish results in leading scientific journals.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Critical-thinking

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Publish research

Education

PhD in Physical Geography / Ecology / Earth System Science

Tools

MATLAB

R

Python

Job description

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow (Terrestrial Biosphere Model)

University-Level Unit: Arts & Social Sciences

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Geography

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 29/06/2026

Job Description

The Ecosystem Function Lab (ecofunc.org) in the Department of Geography at the National University of Singapore (https://fass.nus.edu.sg/geog/) is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow to study the terrestrial carbon cycle of tropical Asia, to study the terrestrial carbon cycle of tropical Asia, primarily through the development and application of terrestrial biosphere models. The ecosystems of interest include natural vegetation such as tropical forests and grasslands, as well as managed systems including oil palm plantations, rubber plantations, and rice paddies. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and improve terrestrial biosphere models to accurately quantify regional carbon cycling, assess its changes over time, and evaluate its implications for climate change mitigation and sustainability efforts.

The ideal candidate should be highly creative, possess strong quantitative and critical-thinking skills, have a solid understanding of plant physiological processes and/or the terrestrial carbon cycle, and be able to work effectively in a diverse and interdisciplinary research environment. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance. We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with the candidate’s postdoctoral experience and research track record.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and apply a diagnostic terrestrial biosphere model to estimate key carbon fluxes across Southeast Asia, with specific representations of both natural and managed ecosystems.
• Conduct hypothesis-driven research to improve understanding of the land carbon cycle across diverse Southeast Asian ecosystems and their responses to environmental change.
• Lead or support field campaigns for model evaluation and validation, and facilitate communication and collaboration among research teams and project partners.
• Present research findings at international conferences and publish results in leading scientific journals.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Physical Geography, Ecology, Earth System Science, or a related discipline (preferably obtained within the past three years).
• Knowledge of the key processes governing the terrestrial carbon cycle; familiarity with plant physiology and/or soil biogeochemistry would be an advantage.
• Experience in the development, application, and improvement of land surface models, dynamic vegetation models, and/or terrestrial biosphere models.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language, such as MATLAB, R, or Python.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following: 1) A letter of interest describing their research experience, research interests, and future research plans (1–2 pages); 2) A full curriculum vitae, including contact information for three referees. 3) A PDF copy of their best publication (optional). For full consideration, applications should be submitted by 1 August 2026. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

About NUS And The Department Of Geography

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is one of Asia’s leading universities. Its Department of Geography has recently been ranked first in the world by the ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects and fourth in the world by the QS World University Rankings by Subject. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work within a highly skilled interdisciplinary research team and to collaborate with researchers from leading national and international institutions.