Lead Institution
CCARBON – Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (University of São Paulo)
Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Tiago O. Ferreira (ESALQ/USP)
Host Institution
ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
Fellowship
Postdoctoral fellowship funded by FEALQ (equivalent to FAPESP standard).
Stipend: R$ 12.000,00 per month
Duration
36 months (full-time dedication/40 hours per week)
Expected Start Date
Immediate
Project Title
Mangrove Assisted Restoration for Ecosystem Services (MARES)
Abstract
The MARES project investigates the potential of bioengineering structures (ROOT™) to restore mangrove forests, focusing on carbon sequestration and storage as well as the recovery of degraded ecosystem services. The study is centered in Cananéia (São Paulo coast, Brazil) and involves interdisciplinary approaches to quantify total ecosystem carbon stocks (TECS)—including above- and belowground biomass and soil organic carbon—in mangroves under different restoration strategies.
Project Description and Objectives
The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily responsible for:
– Quantifying total ecosystem carbon stocks (TECS) in experimental plots under different restoration strategies (control, channel opening, ROOT™ structures).
– Measuring aboveground and belowground biomass, soil organic carbon stocks (up to 3 m depth), and greenhouse gas fluxes.
– Assess the stability of soil organic matter with wet-chemical and spectroscopy techniques, following the implementation of different mangrove restoration strategies.
– Applying stable isotope techniques (δ13C) to identify sources of organic matter.
– Participating in the calculation of carbon sequestration rates (tCO2eq) to inform blue carbon credit validation (VCS standard).
The researcher will also contribute to the integration of interdisciplinary data to assess ecosystem recovery and collaborate with a diverse team including soil scientists, ecologists, microbiologists, and remote sensing specialists.
Candidate Requirements
Mandatory
– PhD completed in Soil Science, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Chemical Oceanography, or related fields.
– Willingness to reside in Piracicaba, São Paulo (Brazil).
– Proficiency in English for reading, writing, and presenting scientific results.
– Valid driver’s license.
– Proven experience in scientific research, with publications in international peer-reviewed journals and technical-scientific reports.
– Ability to conduct fieldwork in coastal and remote environments.
– Availability for national and international travel for sampling campaigns, meetings, and training activities.
Desired (a plus)
– Previous experience with coastal ecosystems, especially mangroves.
– Proficiency in analytical techniques for carbon studies (wet-chemistry and spectroscopy).
– Knowledge of GIS and geoprocessing tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, or similar).
– Experience in collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects.
– Experience engaging with public institutions and/or local communities.
Application deadline
From July 22th to August 25th, 2025.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the link of CCARBON open opportunities:
Additional Information
For any questions, please contact us at: rfcosta@usp.br
