Research Associate (Biological Sciences)

Job Description

The Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions (CNCS) at the National University of Singapore invites applications for the position of Research Associate, who will contribute to research and implementation of forest carbon accounting approaches 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 policy-relevant approaches for estimating forest carbon stocks, integrating field inventory and remote sensing datasets (e.g., optical, radar, and LiDAR). The role will involve data analysis, workflow development, and supporting technical outputs related to carbon accounting and nature-based climate solutions.

The main responsibilities of the position include:

• Support the development and application of forest carbon accounting methodologies using field and remote sensing datasets
• Conduct geospatial data processing, analysis, and modelling
• Assist in developing data processing workflows and analytical pipelines
• Support the integration and management of large ecological and geospatial datasets
• Assist in designing and implementing field surveys and data collection campaigns
• Contribute to technical reports, documentation, and research manuscripts
• Provide support for project coordination, including collaborations with partners
• Provide administrative support for research-related activities (e.g., procurement, permits)

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Natural Science, Climate Science, Geography, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field with at least 2 years’ relevant work experience.

Skills:

• Experience handling and analysing geospatial datasets
• Experience applying remote sensing to ecological or environmental systems
• Proficiency in R and/or Python for data analysis
• Experience with data processing, visualisation, and statistical analysis
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willing to work flexible hours and take on extra duties as required

Experience:

• Experience processing and analysing remote sensing data (optical, LiDAR, SAR)
• Experience integrating field and geospatial datasets
• Experience conducting or supporting field surveys (e.g., forest inventory)
• Experience working with environmental or ecological datasets

Advantageous:

• Experience with LiDAR-derived forest structure metrics
• Experience with UAV-based remote sensing or terrestrial laser scanning
• Experience working on carbon accounting, MRV systems, or nature-based climate solutions
• Familiarity with carbon standards and methodologies (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard, ART-TREES)
• Experience contributing to technical reports or documentation