AmazonFACE/National Institute for Amazonian Research

Homepage: https://amazonface.unicamp.br/

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position with the AmazonFACE program, the first large-scale Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) experiment conducted in a mature, biodiverse Amazonian rainforest. The program is based at and coordinated by the National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), co-coordinated by the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and led by a dynamic team of Brazilian and international researchers (from the UK, EU, and USA).

We are seeking a motivated postdoc researcher with expertise in plant functional ecology and ecosystem ecology to support and expand research on biogeochemical cycles within our project team.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of plant trait coordination and growth in response to elevated CO2 within the AmazonFACE program. The appointee will drive the investigation of key aspects in plant wood and phloem traits and their coordination with hydraulic and whole-plant traits (e.g. tree height and crown dimensions from TLS data), to understand growth patterns and responses to eCO2. This role will significantly advance the holistic understanding of plant ecological strategies and forest growth responses in a changing world.

Main Duties and Accountabilities

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct field sampling campaigns and subsequent lab analyses, with the goal of investigating the effects of elevated CO₂ on plant wood traits and tree growth. This includes determining phloem area, wood anatomy traits such as vessel size and density, fiber wall thickness, fiber lumen diameter, volume fractions of xylem elements, non-structural carbon (NSC) storage distribution in wood, and wood density.
• Conduct statistical analyses of complex datasets with multiple traits and tree growth data. Collaborate with colleagues in different AmazonFACE research areas to compile the trait coordination database.
• Develop and advance original scientific research methods, protocols, and theoretical concepts in plant trait coordination and performance.
• Contribute to project development, from conceptualization to implementation, in alignment with the objectives and deadlines of the AmazonFACE program.
• Work closely with a research technician who will provide analytical support. Participate in project meetings, present results in seminars, and attend relevant workshops and conferences.
• Write reports and prepare results for publication.
• Collaborate with, mentor, and/or co-supervise Master’s and Doctoral students working on topics related to the program.
• Interact and cooperate with different research areas and AmazonFACE program members.
• Contribute to maintaining a positive work environment.

Requirements/Person Specification

• A doctoral degree in biology, forestry, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering or a related field.
• Practical experience in planning and coordinating field samplings, laboratory analyses and data processing and analyses in R.
• Sound understanding of concepts in plant and ecosystem ecology.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• A demonstrated track record of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Willingness to synthesize data into high-quality scientific publications.
• The team includes researchers from Brazil and abroad, fluency in Portuguese and English, or ability to quickly become fluent, is desirable.

What We Offer

• A two-year position (with the possibility of extension to three years) in a stimulating work environment, funded by a FINEP fellowship (R$ 5,200/month).
• Applicants will join an enthusiastic, diverse team of researchers, benefiting from interdisciplinary support to advance tropical ecology and anatomy research in the context of climate change.
• Possibilities to participate in conferences, workshops and short training exchange stays in different research groups.
• Opportunity to mentor and co-supervise graduate students.

FURTHER INFORMATION
The position will be based at the National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA) in Manaus under the supervision of Juliana Schietti.
Please contact jujuschietti@gmail.com if you have any further questions.

Please submit the following documents in a single PDF to amzface@unicamp.br with the subject line “Carbon Postdoc”:

• Full Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter
• Names and contact information of three potential referees

Applications will be accepted until May 1st, 2025.