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 ecosystem and soil ecology to support and expand research on topics around biogeochemical cycles within our project team.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of plant and soil microbial carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in response to elevated CO2. The appointee will drive the investigation of key aspects in soil and rhizosphere nutrient cycling feedbacks pivotal for the forest’s response to elevated CO2, with the ultimate goal of advancing the holistic understanding of this ecosystem’s responses in a future world.

Main Duties and Accountabilities

• Plan, coordinate and conduct field sampling and lab campaigns to investigate effects of elevated CO2 on plant, soil and microbial carbon and nutrient pools and fluxes, including SOM and phosphorus fractions. An important part will be the investigation of microbial biomass and activity parameters, such as respiration and potential extracellular enzyme activities.
• Develop and advance original scientific research, experimental assays, and theoretical concepts in ecosystem and soil microbial ecology.
• Contribute to project development, from conceptualization to implementation, in alignment with the objectives and deadlines of the AmazonFACE program.
• 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 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, soil science, or soil microbiology or a related field.
• Practical experience in planning and coordination of field samplings, data collection, laboratory analyses and data processing.
• Sound understanding and strong interest in concepts in ecosystem and soil microbial 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
• Opportunity to mentor and co-supervise graduate students.
• The team includes researchers from Brazil and abroad, fluency in Portuguese and English 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).
• Join and interact with a diverse and cross- and interdisciplinary team of researchers with the common goal of integrating tropical forest aboveground and belowground processes, advancing modelling efforts and understanding impacts on socio-economic dynamics to gain a holistic understanding of the effects of elevated CO2 on the Amazon forest.
• Possibilities to participate in conferences, workshops and short training exchange stays in different research groups.

FURTHER INFORMATION
The position is based at the National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA) in Manaus under the direct supervision of Dr. Beto Quesada (INPA, Manaus, Brazil) and Dr. Lucia Fuchslueger (University of Vienna, Austria).

Please contact amzface@unicamp.br if you have any further questions.

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

• Full Curriculum Vitae, with a publication record
• Motivation letter
• Names and contact information of three potential referees

Applications will be accepted until May 1st, 2025.