Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Coccolithophores

The role

This position will investigate the role of coccolithophore diversity on the carbon cycle by combining novel trait-based statistics with machine learning as part of the NERC-funded CoccoTrait project. Coccolithophores are prominent marine calcifying microalga with overlooked implications on the climate system due to their complex ecology. The candidate will be part of the BRIDGE research group in the School of Geographical Sciences. They will work primarily with Prof Fanny Monteiro (UoB) with opportunities to visit and work with collaborators Prof Alex Poulton (Heriot-Watt), Dr Levi Wolf (UoB) and Prof Wilfried Thuiller (LECA).

What will you be doing?

The candidate will identify the key coccolithophore functional groups and their global ecological relevance by combining novel physiological and genomic coccolithophore data with environmental observations. They will apply established statistical trait-based approaches from macro-ecology and develop global species distribution models to inform how important coccolithophore biodiversity is for future climate.

You should apply if

The candidate should have completed a PhD in statistics or machine learning with experience and/or interest in trait-based ecology, oceanography and climate.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Fanny Monteiro ( f.monteiro@bristol.ac.uk ).

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.