Lead Institution
GeoCiS – Geotechnologies in Soil Science Research Group
CCARBON – Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture
University of São Paulo (USP)
Supervisor
Prof. Dr. José Alexandre Melo Demattê (ESALQ/USP)
Host Institution
ESALQ/USP – Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture
Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
Fellowship
Postdoctoral fellowship funded by FAPESP
Stipend and benefits according to current FAPESP regulations, including Technical Reserve
(https://fapesp.br/valores/bolsasnopais)
Duration
24 months (full-time dedication, 40 hours per week)
Expected Start Date
March 1st, 2026
Project Title
Soil carbon sequestration potential in Brazil: spatial modeling of fungal and bacterial communities using spectral transfer functions
Abstract
Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying soil carbon sequestration is central to climate-smart agriculture and ecosystem resilience. This postdoctoral project aims to quantify and spatially model the presence, diversity, and abundance of soil fungal and bacterial communities at national scale in Brazil, using spectral transfer functions derived from VIS–NIR–SWIR–MIR data. The research will integrate large legacy soil databases, soil spectroscopy, environmental covariates, and pedotransfer functions within machine-learning frameworks to produce high-resolution maps of microbial indicators and soil carbon sequestration potential. Uncertainty will be explicitly quantified using bootstrap-based approaches, and all results will be disseminated through open WebGIS platforms with full metadata and documentation. The project will generate robust scientific evidence to advance soil biology mapping, carbon accounting, and public-policy-oriented soil monitoring strategies within the CCARBON framework.
Project Description and Objectives
The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily responsible for:
1. Soil Database Harmonization
Acquire, harmonize, validate, and document legacy soil databases (BSSL/FEBR), ensuring spatial, analytical, and spectral consistency.
2. Environmental Covariate Processing
Extract and process national-scale environmental covariates, including topography, spectral indices, land surface temperature, climate, and vegetation variables, using Google Earth Engine, R, and Python.
3. Soil Spectroscopy and Microbial Indicators
Identify VIS–NIR–SWIR–MIR spectral regions associated with fungal and bacterial communities, considering organic functional groups, oxides, and mineralogical features.
4. Spectral Transfer Functions and Modeling
Develop spectral transfer functions and machine-learning models (e.g. Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, Cubist) for national-scale prediction and mapping.
Quantify model uncertainty using bootstrap resampling.
5. Spatial Outputs and Dissemination
Produce national maps of microbial diversity, abundance, and soil carbon sequestration potential.
Structure and publish datasets, maps, and metadata in an open WebGIS environment.
6. Scientific Outputs
Prepare technical reports, high-impact scientific publications, and outreach materials.
Participate in GeoCiS research activities and contribute to student training.
Candidate Requirements
Mandatory
PhD in Soil Science, Remote Sensing, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
Documented experience in at least part of the following areas: pedometrics, soil spectroscopy (VIS–NIR and/or MIR), remote sensing, GIS, machine learning, soil organic carbon, or publication of geospatial data.
No employment relationship during the fellowship period (or full unpaid leave, per FAPESP rules).
Willingness to reside in Piracicaba (SP), Brazil.
English proficiency for scientific writing and communication.
Desired (a plus)
Hands-on experience with soil spectroscopy (VIS–NIR/MIR).
Advanced Google Earth Engine (JavaScript) workflows.
Spatial modeling with robust validation and uncertainty analysis.
Experience with FAIR data, metadata publication, PostGIS, and QGIS Web.
Application Deadline
December 21st, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Brasília time, GMT −3)
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively by e-mail to:
📧 jamdemat@usp.br
All documents must be merged into a single PDF file, named name_surname, and sent with the subject line:
[APPLICATION PD GeoCiS CCARBON 2026] Complete documentation: name_surname
Two recommendation letters must be sent directly by the referees to the same e-mail address.
Additional Information
For further information, please contact:
Prof. Dr. José Alexandre Melo Demattê
✉️ jamdemat@usp.br
Official updates:
