Two Post-Doc Positions in UK

at School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh

Position 1: Global Carbon Cycle Data Assimilation

Our objective is to improve understanding of key processes in global carbon cycling by linking observations from towers, aircraft and satellites to terrestrial carbon cycle models. A critical challenge for process understanding and prediction is to address the scaling problem resulting from spatial heterogeneity and linked processes operating on different time scales. The research will involve parameterizing a simple global carbon cycle model, and operating a framework for updating/testing the model against multiple EO datasets. Experience in parameter optimisation, model construction, calibration and application is essential, together with knowledge of biosphere-atmosphere interactions and terrestrial carbon cycling. Skills in the use of eddy flux, biometric and remotely sensed data in regional modelling applications, and familiarity with data assimilation techniques would be particularly valuable. The PDRA will undertake intensive research collaboration with UK partners in NCEO and with European partners in the EU FP7 GEOCARBON project. This will be a one year position initially, with a possibility of extension.

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Position 2: Carbon Cycle Linkages of Permafrost Systems

This project aims to better understand the relationships between plant communities (including their biodiversity and traits) and their ability to protect (insulate) permafrost and control active layer depth. It also seeks to understand how these plant-permafrost interactions control ecosystem carbon balance, and CH4 exchanges, and the sensitivity of C fluxes to fire disturbance and soil warming. This post is focused on calibration, testing and improvement of process models of ecosystem biophysics and biogeochemistry. The PDRA will work closely with field teams, using their data on the responses of C fluxes to fire and thaw disturbance in N. American boreal and arctic ecosystems, to evaluate and update model process representation. Some field work will also be involved.
Applicants should have an excellent track record in ecosystem modelling, and one or more of the following areas; plant ecology/ecophysiology, plant-soil interactions, ecosystem carbon and/or nutrient cycling, boreal or arctic ecosystem responses to global change.

More details here