We welcome enquiries from talented and motivated people interested in geospatial ecology, ecosystem science, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and landscape systems. To learn more about how we work, our values, and what it is like to be part of the group, visit our TESS Lab Culture page.
Researchers engage with the lab in many different ways, including:
- MSc study
- PhD research
- Postdoctoral fellowships
- Visiting researcher placements
- Research exchanges
- Collaborative projects
- Affiliate membership
Our members come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds but share a common interest in using quantitative, field-based, and geospatial approaches to better understand ecosystems and environmental change.
Finding Funding
One of the main challenges in joining a research group is identifying suitable funding. To support prospective MSc students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and visitors, TESS Lab maintains the Funding Finder, a searchable database developed by Dr Andrew Cunliffe that brings together thousands of funding opportunities relevant to members of the University of Exeter community.
MSc Students
The University of Exeter offers several postgraduate taught programmes relevant to TESS Lab’s research themes. Particularly well aligned are the MSc Geographical Information Science (GIS), which focuses on spatial data science, GIS and remote sensing, and the MSc Artificial Intelligence for the Environment, which combines AI methods with real-world environmental applications. Both programmes provide strong foundations for students interested in pursuing research opportunities within TESS Lab and related research groups.
PhD Opportunities
Prospective doctoral students are encouraged to explore available funding opportunities and contact Dr Andrew Cunliffe where there is strong alignment between their interests and the lab’s research themes. Initial enquiries should normally include:
- A brief description of research interests
- A short CV including relevant publications, research outputs or previous research experience where applicable
- Details of any identified funding opportunities
Early discussions can help determine the strength of fit between your interests and available opportunities in TESS Lab.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
TESS Lab welcomes enquiries from researchers interested in developing competitive fellowship applications. Researchers considering a fellowship hosted within TESS Lab are also encouraged to contact Dr Andrew Cunliffe at an early stage to discuss alignment with the lab’s research priorities, potential project ideas, and opportunities for mentoring and support during fellowship development. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the University of Exeter’s Fellowship Hub, which provides guidance on identifying opportunities, developing applications, mentoring, training and career development.
Affiliate Membership
You do not need to be directly supervised by Dr Andrew Cunliffe to participate in TESS Lab. We welcome affiliate members from across the University of Exeter, including postgraduate researchers and postdoctoral researchers whose primary supervision or funding sits elsewhere. Affiliate members can engage with the TESS Lab community through seminars and collaborative projects.
Collaborate with Us
We are also keen to hear from researchers, conservation practitioners, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners interested in applying geospatial approaches to ecological and environmental challenges. Please get in touch to discuss potential areas of mutual interest.
Contact
For enquiries about joining TESS Lab or collaboration, please contact:
Dr Andrew Cunliffe
Oppenheimer Associate Professor of Geospatial Ecology
a.cunliffe@exeter.ac.uk
