Postdoctoral Fellowship | Soil carbon and functioning recovery across reforestation methods in Brazil

Lead Institution

CCARBON – Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (University of São Paulo)

Supervisor

Prof. Dr. Pedro H. S. Brancalion (ESALQ/USP)

Host Institution

ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Fellowship

Postdoctoral fellowship funded by FAPESP (BCO CEPID/CCARBON # 21/10573-4)

Stipend: R$ 12.570,00 per month

Duration

24 months (full-time dedication/40 hours per week)

Expected Start Date

Immediate

Project Title

Soil carbon and functioning recovery across reforestation methods in Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to assess soil carbon, soil health, and functioning recovery across reforestation methods and environmental conditions in an existing network of 30×30 m field plots established in agropastoral land uses, agroforests, intensive monocultures, extensive monocultures, restoration plantings, naturally regenerating forests, degraded and conserved remnants in the Atlantic Forest biome, Brazil. In addition, advanced assessments on soil carbon and soil health will be performed in selected plots with contrasting characteristics. We aim to evaluate the pace of soil recovery in different reforestation methods, understand its drivers, mechanisms and explore how soil carbon, soil health, and functioning is related to vegetation development.

Project Description and Objectives

The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily responsible for:

• Support the analysis of previous soil C samples collected across ~800 forest plots established by different reforestation methods.

• Quantifying soil carbon stocks at different depths and the proportion of the stock coming from C4 grasses and trees, using isotopes, in field plots selected for this study.
• Understanding the impacts of reforestation methods on soil health (integration of chemical, physical and biological indicators) and soil multifunctionality;
• Integration of soil with vegetation data and assessment of recovery trajectories

Candidate Requirements

Mandatory

• PhD completed in Soil Science, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Geography, or related fields.
• Willingness to reside in Piracicaba, São Paulo (Brazil).
• Experience on data analysis (R software; Phyton)
• Proficiency in English for reading, writing, and presenting scientific results.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proven experience in scientific research, with publications in peer-reviewed international journals and technical-scientific reports.
• Ability to conduct field studies.

Desired (a plus)

• Proficiency in analytical techniques for carbon studies (dry combustion and spectroscopy).
• Experience in collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects
• Experience with soil health assessments & reforestation methods.
• Internacional experience

Application deadline

From November 25^th to December 15^th, 2025.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the link of CCARBON/USP open opportunities:
https://forms.gle/8iXKrs1VSHEiibGB8

Additional Information

For any questions, please contact us at: pedrob@usp.br