Transform Global Carbon Science: Model Tropical vegetation to Reshape Carbon Budgets (PhD funded UK fees) Ref: 5825

Supervisors

Professor Lina Mercado, Department of Geography, University of Exeter

Professor Stephen Sitch, Department of Geography, University of Exeter

Dr Mike O’Sullivan, Mathematics and Statistics,  University of Exeter

Dr Arthur Argles, Met Office, Hadley Centre

The problem to tackle Tropical forests absorb a quarter of our carbon emissions—yet deforestation, fire, and climate change are destroying them faster than our models can predict. Current climate models seriously underestimate tropical ecosystem responses, leaving a critical blind spot in our understanding of global carbon cycles.

The task This fully funded (UK home fees) PhD project will revolutionize how we model tropical forests and savannas. You'll develop the JULES Dynamic Global Vegetation Model using breakthrough remote-sensing datasets on tropical vegetation recovery and carbon cycling. This work will directly reduce uncertainty in the global carbon budget—shaping climate predictions for decades.

The Work Develop JULES using empirical and remote-sensing data to improve how tropical ecosystems respond to disturbance. Attend annual project meetings and collaboration with leading researchers.

You have a degree in Mathematics, Earth System Sciences, Natural Sciences, or related field. Strong coding, analytical, and numerical skills. Passion for climate solutions.

The conditions for eligibility of UK home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate subject areas with strong numerical, analytical and coding skills including Mathematics, Earth System Sciences, Natural Sciences and related subject areas.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.

•            CV

•            Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience, reasons for wishing to undertake the project and fit to the project in terms of previous research and skills).

•            Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•            Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If you are shortlisted for interview, you are required to contact the referees asking them to email the reference directly to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 19^th of April 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually during the period week of May 4^th 2026.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5825 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary