Lead Institution
CCARBON – Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (University of São Paulo)
Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Maurício Roberto Cherubin (ESALQ/USP)
Host Institution
ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
Fellowship
Postdoctoral fellowship funded by FAPESP
Stipend: R$ 12.570,00 per month
Duration
24 months (full-time dedication/40 hours per week)
Expected Start Date
Immediate
Project Title
Soil health in agricultural areas in Brazil: dataset organization, scoring-curve development and large-scale application
Abstract
Soil health is a foundational component of sustainable tropical agriculture, yet large-scale assessments and interpretation tools adapted to Brazilian conditions remain limited. This project aims to organize the most comprehensive dataset of soil health indicators ever compiled for Brazil—integrating physical, chemical, and biological metrics generated in previous research, current CCARBON projects, and national datasets. Based on this consolidated database, new scoring curves will be developed and integrated into computational tools, ensuring that soil functioning is evaluated under realistic environmental and management conditions found across Brazilian biomes. These tools will then be applied at national scale to calculate a Soil Health Index (SHI), enabling the identification of critical areas for conservation, restoration, and sustainable agricultural intensification. The results will provide robust scientific evidence to support public policies, guide land-use decisions, and accelerate CCARBON’s mission of promoting carbon-smart, climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Project Description and Objectives
The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily responsible for:
1. Dataset Organization
– Compile, organize and harmonize soil health indicators from previous projects of the team and CEPID-CCARBON datasets.
– Structure metadata (location, climate, biome, land use, sampling depth, management practices, etc.).
– Organize physical, chemical and biological soil indicators in cloud-based and local repositories.
2. Development of Scoring Curves
– Generate scoring curves using cumulative normal distribution functions following CASH methodology.
– Test alternative approaches (e.g., SHAPE, SMAF-based methods).
– Ensure rigorous statistical validation using Brazilian datasets.
3. Large-Scale Application
– Apply SMAF with original and newly developed scoring curves across Brazilian agricultural regions.
– Compute Soil Health Index (SHI) integrating physical, chemical and biological dimensions.
– Identify spatial patterns, critical areas and management recommendations.
4. Scientific Outputs
– Produce scientific papers in high-impact journals.
– Prepare CCARBON technical reports and datasets for long-term use
Candidate Requirements
Mandatory
PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science or related fields.
Strong experience with soil physical, chemical or biological indicators.
Experience in dataset organization, statistical analysis, and/or soil health assessment frameworks (SMAF, CASH, SHAPE).
Familiarity with statistical software (R, Python, SAS, or similar).
English proficiency for reading, writing and presenting.
Full time residence in Piracicaba (SP).
Desired (a plus)
Experience with large datasets and metadata standardization.
Knowledge of geospatial analysis (GIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine).
Experience with soil health projects in Brazil.
Previous publications on soil health, soil quality or soil carbon.
Familiarity with cloud repositories and reproducible workflows.
Valid driver’s license.
Application deadline
From November 30th to December20th.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the link of CCARBON open opportunities:
https://forms.gle/8iXKrs1VSHEiibGB8
Additional Information
For any questions, please contact us at: cherubin@usp.br
