PhD in Forest Microclimate Dynamics, Sensing, Modelling and Data Analytics at University of Exeter University of Exeter in United Kingdom

A fully-funded PhD opportunity is available at the University of Exeter, focusing on integrating sensing, modelling, and data analytics to understand forest microclimate dynamics under fire, degradation, and climate change in Amazonia. The project is led by Professor Ted Feldpausch, with co-supervision from Ilya Maclean, and is part of a UKRI-funded collaboration between UK and Brazilian researchers. The research aims to address critical gaps in our understanding of how climate change, wildfire, and land-use are reshaping tropical forest microclimates, which are vital for biodiversity and the global carbon cycle.

The doctoral researcher will investigate how wildfire and land-use change affect above- and below-ground microclimate, including vertical profiles, and how sensor design and measurement uncertainty influence microclimate estimates and model performance. The project involves the development, testing, and upscaling of computational microclimate models, integrating in-situ, remote sensing, and environmental datasets. The research will also explore how altered microclimate affects tree mortality, carbon cycling, and fire risk, using data from the Amazon PyroCarbon Project and remote sensing technologies such as airborne and spaceborne lidar (GEDI) and passive spectral data.

Students will have the opportunity to design and test sensor systems, including custom-built devices, and integrate these data with advanced modelling approaches to improve predictions of microclimate dynamics under disturbance and climate change. The project includes training in tropical field methods, environmental sensors, experimental design, geospatial analysis in R, and computational modelling. Fieldwork in Amazonia is possible, pending research permits, but the project can also be completed using existing datasets and ongoing work by project partners.

The successful candidate will join a diverse international research group exploring the ecological impacts of environmental change on tropical forests. The UK-Brazil partnership ensures interdisciplinary research and access to cutting-edge resources. Applicants should have a strong background in environmental science, biology, earth science, computer science, or related fields, and an interest in environmental sensing, modelling, and data analytics. The position is fully funded, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend, with additional support for research activities.

Application deadline is 12 January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Exeter funding page or contact the supervisors. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about climate change, tropical forest ecology, and advanced data-driven research.