Postdoctoral Fellowship in Soil Health, Dataset Organization, and Scoring-Curve Development – Environmental Science/Agronomy at University of São Paulo

The Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON/USP) at the University of São Paulo is offering a postdoctoral fellowship focused on soil health in agricultural areas in Brazil. The project, titled "Soil health in agricultural areas in Brazil: dataset organization, scoring-curve development and large-scale application," aims to organize the most comprehensive dataset of soil health indicators for Brazil, integrating physical, chemical, and biological metrics from previous research, current CCARBON projects, and national datasets. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for compiling, organizing, and harmonizing soil health indicators, structuring metadata, and organizing data in cloud-based and local repositories. The role also involves developing scoring curves using cumulative normal distribution functions (CASH methodology), testing alternative approaches (SHAPE, SMAF), and ensuring rigorous statistical validation with Brazilian datasets. The researcher will apply these methods at a national scale to compute a Soil Health Index (SHI), identify critical areas for conservation and sustainable intensification, and produce scientific outputs including high-impact journal papers and technical reports. Mandatory requirements include a PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related fields, strong experience with soil indicators, dataset organization, statistical analysis, and familiarity with soil health assessment frameworks (SMAF, CASH, SHAPE). Proficiency in statistical software (R, Python, SAS, or similar) and English is required, as is full-time residence in Piracicaba, São Paulo. Desired qualifications include experience with large datasets, metadata standardization, GIS tools, previous publications, and a valid driver’s license. The fellowship is funded by FAPESP, offering a stipend of R$ 12,570.00 per month for 24 months, with full-time dedication required. The host institution is ESALQ/USP in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Applications are open from November 30th to December 20th. For more information and to apply, visit the CCARBON website or use the provided application link. For questions, contact Prof. Maurício Roberto Cherubin at [email protected].