Ecologist/ Carbon Methodology

THE ROLE

This is not a traditional ecology role. We are looking for an experienced ecologist or environmental scientist who understands how ecosystems store and release carbon, is familiar with carbon accounting methodologies used in voluntary and compliance markets and is willing to engage deeply with an AI and satellite based measurement system to validate its outputs and shape its scientific foundations.

Your primary responsibility is to ensure that what Meridian builds is ecologically and scientifically credible — and to provide the documented expert sign-off that carbon standard bodies require. You will review AI model outputs, validate carbon calculation methodologies, liaise with standards organisations on our behalf, and serve as the scientific conscience of the product. This is an intellectually demanding, high-autonomy, high-impact role.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Define and document the carbon calculation methodology to be implemented in the AI models and circuits. This includes selection of appropriate carbon pools (above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, soil organic carbon, dead wood, litter), allometric equations, baseline definition, additionality arguments, permanence risk factors, and uncertainty quantification methodology (target: ±15% at 95% confidence).

• Review and sign off on the ecological indicators generated by the AI models. Validate that SAR-derived vegetation indices, hyperspectral species classifications, and carbon flux estimates are ecologically meaningful and methodologically defensible.

• Source or facilitate access to ground-truth ecological survey data for AI model training and validation. This may involve identifying academic datasets, national databases (e.g., UK CEH, Forest Research), or commissioning targeted field surveys.

• Validate AI model outputs against field measurements at pilot sites (peatland and/or woodland). Produce a written validation report suitable for submission to carbon standards bodies.

• Liaise with carbon standard organisations (Verra, Gold Standard, UK Woodland Carbon Code, Peatland Code) on behalf of LinearLabs: represent our methodology in preliminary consultations, respond to technical questions, and identify gaps between our approach and their requirements.

• Review the verification reports generated by the system for ecological accuracy before they are published to the public registry.

• Advise on site selection criteria for pilot programmes: minimum site characteristics, baseline data requirements, and ecosystem suitability.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Essential:

• MSc or PhD in ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a closely related field.

• Experience in ecosystem carbon monitoring, nature-based solutions, or conservation finance.

• Working knowledge of at least one major voluntary carbon standard methodology: Verra VCS (VM0036, VM0007, or similar), Gold Standard for the Global Goals, UK Woodland Carbon Code, or Peatland Code.

• Experience with carbon accounting for terrestrial ecosystems: understanding of carbon pools, baseline setting, additionality, permanence, and uncertainty quantification.

• Ability to review and critique quantitative AI model outputs from an ecological science perspective, you do not need to write code, but you need to be able to interrogate numbers, assumptions, and error bounds.

• Excellent scientific writing skills: the methodology documents you produce will be submitted to carbon standards bodies and reviewed by institutional auditors.

• Comfortable working remotely with a technical engineering team in a climate tech startup context.

Desirable:

• Direct experience with remote sensing data in an ecological context: interpretation of Sentinel-1/2 imagery, NDVI, or spectral indices for vegetation monitoring.

• Experience as a consultant to, or employee of, a carbon standard body or an accredited validation and verification body (VVB).

• Familiarity with UK peatland or woodland ecosystem carbon dynamics, specifically.

• Prior involvement in a nature-based solution project from site assessment through to carbon credit issuance.

• Network of contacts within UK or international carbon standard organisations.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 2–3 days per week, with surge periods around key deliverables.

• The opportunity to shape the scientific foundations of a novel, technology-forward approach to carbon credit verification, with the potential to be cited as a methodology co-author in carbon standard submissions.

• Autonomy to define your own working practices within the engagement scope.

• A technically sophisticated team that will engage seriously with ecological science, not treat it as a compliance checkbox.