Senior Research Fellow (Biological Sciences)

Job Description

The Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions (CNCS) at the National University of Singapore invites applications for the position of Senior Research Fellow, who will contribute to the development and application of methodologies for estimating forest carbon stocks across tropical ecosystems in Southeast Asia. The appointment is for an initial period of one year with the possibility of renewal and is expected to begin as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will support the development of robust and scalable approaches for quantifying forest biomass and carbon stocks across multiple forest types in Southeast Asia, including peat swamp, mangrove, and terrestrial forests. The role will involve integrating field inventory data with multiple remote sensing datasets (e.g., optical, radar, and LiDAR) to develop models, analytical workflows, and datasets that support both scientific research and applied carbon accounting.

The main responsibilities of the position include:

• Lead the integration of multi-source datasets and contribute to the development of scalable forest carbon estimation approaches for Southeast Asian ecosystems.
• Develop and refine methodologies for estimating aboveground (and potentially belowground) biomass and carbon stocks using integrated field and remote sensing datasets.
• Design and implement analytical workflows for processing and integrating large geospatial datasets, including optical, radar, and LiDAR data.
• Develop reproducible data processing pipelines and modelling workflows for forest carbon estimation.
• Support the integration and synthesis of datasets collected by the project team and collaborating partners.
• Design and support field campaigns and forest inventory data collection across different forest ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners.
• Contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts, technical reports, and methodological guidance documents arising from the project.
• Provide regular updates on model performance and identify opportunities for improving models as new datasets become available.

Qualifications

PhD degree in Natural Sciences, Climate Science, Geography, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum 3-year postdoctoral research experience.

Skills:

• Handling and analysing large geospatial datasets.
• Integrating remote sensing datasets (e.g., optical, LiDAR, SAR) with ecological or environmental data.
• Proficiency in statistical computing and geospatial analysis using R and/or Python.
• Developing reproducible analytical workflows and data pipelines.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Experience:

• Processing and analysing remote sensing data for ecosystem monitoring or biomass estimation.
• Integrating field inventory data with geospatial datasets for biomass or carbon modelling.
• Managing or synthesising large ecological or geospatial datasets.
• Conducting or organising field surveys (e.g., forest inventory or ecological monitoring).
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications relevant to remote sensing, ecosystem modelling, or carbon assessment.
• Working with LiDAR-derived forest structure metrics.
• With UAV-based remote sensing and/or terrestrial laser scanning.
• Working on carbon accounting, climate mitigation projects, or nature-based solutions.
• Coordinating multi-institutional research collaborations.
• Contributing to grant proposals or project development.

About the Centre
The QS World University rankings regularly place NUS in the top 15 universities in the world and number one in Asia. The NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions is the focal point for world-class research and thought leadership on climate change impacts and solutions in service of society. The Centre aims to deliver new knowledge and solutions to inform policies, strategies and actions by producing credible, salient and legitimate science that informs nature-based climate strategies and actions, building capacity and empowering leadership and communicating and engaging with the wider society.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested applicants please submit your application with the following documents by 15 June 2026:
•    Cover Letter
•    CV

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Science

Department : Biological Sciences

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 32635