Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Across the globe, there is an urgent need to restore ecosystems at Transformative landscape scales - protecting what remains intact while regenerating nature within human-modified environments. Achieving this vision demands tools that transcend the limits of traditional field measurements, which, while vital, cannot capture ecological recovery at the necessary spatial and temporal scales. Cutting-edge remote sensing technologies - especially the emerging generation of geospatial foundation models - are reshaping how we plan, implement, and finance nature restoration. This position sits at the heart of that transformation, leveraging data-driven insights to accelerate the recovery of ecosystems worldwide.

The objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of ecological restoration activities in supporting the recovery of biodiversity, carbon stocks, and other ecosystem services. This three-year postdoctoral position is well suited to a researcher with strong interests in geospatial foundation modelling (e.g., Tessera) and remote sensing, motivated by a commitment to advancing nature recovery and sustainable land management, whilst recognising the continuing need for responsible production of food and fibre. The successful candidate will join a large, interdisciplinary team of field ecologists, computer scientists, and geospatial analysts working to train foundation models using forest inventory data derived from mature and secondary forests. The position is supported by a philanthropic donation to the University of Cambridge from Suzano, one of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies, which has committed to connecting and restoring 500,000 hectares across the Cerrado, Amazon, and Atlantic Forest biomes by 2030, alongside a broad portfolio of sustainability initiatives.

The postholder will have opportunities to collaborate with Suzano and other organisations dedicated to ecological restoration in Brazil. Applications are also welcomed from candidates seeking to extend the research to regional or global analyses, including those interested in financing nature-based climate solutions. They will be supervised by David Coomes, in collaboration with Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert, and join the Plant Ecology and Conservation research cluster. This position will be affiliated with both the Department of Plant Sciences and the Conservation Research Institute.

You will be part of the wider Plant Ecology and Conservation Group and based in the David Attenborough building. This post is funded by the Suzano Legacy Fund (Suzano).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

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Please notice that if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Please quote reference PD48413 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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Key information

Department/location

Department of Plant Sciences

Salary

£37,694-£46,049

Reference

PD48413

Category

Research

Date published

23 December 2025

Closing date

19 January 2026

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