Field of Knowledge: Forest Resources
FAPESP Process Number: 2021/10573-4
Project Title: Planted forests and adaptation to climate change: carbon stock, climate impact on silvicultural performance, and performance of new forest species
Area of Focus: Multifunctional forests and planted forests
Number of Positions: 1
Principal Investigators: Pedro Brancalion, Rodrigo Hakamada
Unit/Institution: ESALQ/USP
Application Deadline: 01/22/2026 a 02/07/2026
Published on: 01/21/2026
Location: Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Piracicaba, SP
Email for Applications: rodrigohakamada@usp.br
Place: ESALQ/USP – Piracicaba/SP
Duration: 24 months (full-time – 40h/week)
Start: Immediate
Summary
The objective of this project is to evaluate the carbon stock and silvicultural performance of 25 species of Eucalyptus monitored for over three decades across a broad edaphoclimatic gradient in Brazil. Additionally, the project will support the new Ccarbon forest research program, MixForCarbon, which will be launched at the beginning of 2026 and will obtain its first results in the next 2 years. MixForCarbon will assess the adaptation and initial productivity of about 30 land use models that include conventional forest species (Eucalyptus, Pinus, Rubber tree, among others) and non-conventional species (African mahogany, Australian cedar, mix of native species, etc.). The technical-scientific results obtained in this work may be used for the development of outreach actions and public policies that promote forest systems resilient to environmental stresses.
Possible technical-scientific articles – among others – that may be developed during the project:
- Scientific article on hypsometric relations and site index of 25 Eucalyptus species under a broad climatic gradient;
- Scientific article addressing productivity and multiple uses of wood from forest sites monitored for about 30 years;
- Scientific article on the effect of increased genetic variability on forest productivity and resilience;
- Scientific article on survival and initial growth of 30 land use models containing forest species;
- Technical outreach article with the main results for the agricultural and forestry sector;
- Policy Brief on variables related to carbon stock estimation (Biomass Expansion Factor – BEF and Root to Shoot Ratio – R);
- Booklet with recommendations of Eucalyptus species for rural producers according to climate and soil characteristics and regional consumer market.
Requirements:
- PhD in Forest Engineering, Agronomic Engineering, or related areas;
- Experience in multifunctional forests and planted forests;
- Experience in data analysis (R or Python);
- Fluency in scientific English;
- Valid driver’s license;
- Availability to reside in Piracicaba/SP.
- Applications: via the link https://forms.gle/8iXKrs1VSHEiibGB8
More information: The position is open to Brazilians and foreigners. The FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship also includes a Technical Reserve equivalent to 10% of the annual value of the fellowship to cover unforeseen expenses directly related to research activities.
