PhD Position in Climate-carbon cycle feedbacks in northern ecosystems

https://academicpositions.com/ad/tallinn-university-of-technology/2026/phd-position-in-climate-carbon-cycle-feedbacks-in-northern-ecosystems-post-glacial-peatland-development-and-prospects-under-climate-change/245571

This PhD project will investigate how climate-driven changes have affected peatland development and related carbon cycling during post-glacial time, and evaluate peatland development and restoration prospects in boreal regions by combining GIS-based spatiotemporal modelling, peat related observational datasets (e.g. Estonian Peat database), and advanced climate–ecosystem simulations in framework of the EU Horizon Past to Future (P2F) project. Key research questions include: How have climate variations since deglaciation controlled peat accumulation, degradation, and fire regimes in northern peatlands? How will future climate change alter peatland carbon sequestration capacity and the feasibility and effectiveness of peatland restoration under different climate scenarios?

Description The research 

Accurate projections of climate-driven changes in the global carbon cycle are essential for designing effective climate-change mitigation plans and targets. Boreal peatlands are key components of the global carbon cycle, and Baltic states have extensive pea Latvia and Estonia rank among the world’s largest peat producers. The impacts of climate on post-glacial peat formation, degradation, and fire/ignition dynamics, and the resulting consequences for the carbon cycle, peat botanical and chemical composition, and peatland restoration prospects under future climates will be studied using integrated model–proxy approaches. GIS-based spatiotemporal modelling of past and future peatland dynamics will be combined with observational datasets stored in the digital Estonian peat database and at TalTech. ESM-based climate simulations, a dynamic ecosystem model, and expertise in the statistical handling of big data will be available through collaboration partners within the framework of the EU Horizon project Past to Future (P2F) (https://past2future.org/). 

Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks 

The key tasks as a PhD student at TalTech include: 

• Collect, explore, evaluate, and systematise existing datasets.
• Use the compiled information and GIS tools to reconstruct post-glacial peatland development and carbon sequestration capacity, with a special focus on climate impacts.
• Determine long-term peatland-related climate–carbon cycle interactions and feedbacks.
• Produce projections of peatland and related carbon-cycle dynamics, accounting for the main IPCC climate-change scenarios.
• Manage and carry through your research project.
• Attend PhD courses.
• Write and publish three high-quality scientific articles and a synthesis PhD thesis.
• Teach and disseminate your research.
• Regularly attend P2F meetings and workshops, as well as other relevant international and national meetings and conferences. 

Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:  

• MSc degree from an internationally recognised university in an Earth or Natural Science discipline, or a relevant subject area.
• excellent command of English
• strong and demonstrable writing and analytical skills
• capacity to work both as an independent researcher and as part of an international team
• capacity and willingness to provide assistance in organizational tasks relevant to the project

Previous experience in GIS-based modelling and the ability to use R or Python are highly advantageous. Experience in peat-related studies, peatland ecology, big-data handling, numerical analysis, or relevant work experience or proven interest in the research field will be considered an advantage.

We offer:

• 4-year PhD position in one of the largest technology and natural science research centers in Estonia 
• The available research facilities at the Department of Geology, TalTech, include state-of-the-art biostratigraphy and geochemistry laboratories equipped with necessary research apparatus, large variety of fieldwork equipment, access to scientific literature, databases, and necessary software.
• We offer a positive work environment with a highly supportive and collaborative team.
• The chance to conduct high-level research as part of a large international consortium that combines climate modelling with observational datasets of past environments.
• Opportunities for conference visits, research stays, and networking with Europe’s leading universities and research center’s in the fields of climate modelling, the carbon cycle, big data handling, and outreach.

Application Procedure 

Information for PhD admission is available at TalTech´s web-page: https://taltech.ee/en/phd-admission 

The following application documents should be included in the application form sent to anneli.poska@taltech.ee:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Degree certificates as required by the university
• A research plan for the topic, including the overall research and data collection strategy
• Copy of the passport 

(Additional information)

For further information, please contact Anneli Poska anneli.poska@taltech.ee