The University of São Paulo, Brazil, is currently offering a 24-month postdoctoral fellowship in data analysis and ecological modeling. The successful candidate will work on developing an adaptive Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (aDGVM) to evaluate the current and future risks of wildfires in the Cerrado — one of South America’s most ecologically significant tropical savannas.
The position requires a strong background in remote sensing, statistical data analysis using R or Python, and experience with process-based ecological models. Programming skills in C++ and familiarity with high-performance or cloud computing are also expected. Candidates must hold a PhD completed within the last seven years, be fluent in English, and be willing to reside in São Paulo city. As an added opportunity, the fellow will be eligible for a research internship at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Frankfurt, Germany.
Beyond technical research, the role involves co-supervising students, preparing scientific publications and policy briefs, and contributing to interdisciplinary workshops. Proficiency in Portuguese and strong teamwork skills are considered a plus.
Responsibilities
-analyze/ integrate remote sensing and existing empirical datasets
-contribute to building a conceptual model of fire dynamics in savannas
-parameterize an aDGVM for the Cerrado and integrate it with a predictive fire model
-co-supervise students and technicians
-prepare scientific papers, policy briefs, other materials
– assist organizing workshops
Mandatory requirements
Experience/expertise in:
– data analysis and statistics (R and/or Python)
– remote sensing
– programming (preferably C++)
– process-based ecological models (ideally DGVMs)
– high-performance or cloud computing
– basic savannah ecology
Residence in the city of São Paulo
Fluency in English
Research experience, with relevant publications
Available for internship at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt, Germany
PhD completed no more than 7 years ago
Desirable requirements
– proficiency in Portuguese
– ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team
How to apply
Send an email to <vrpivel@usp.br> with the subject line “PD SCHOLARSHIP – SÍNTESE PROJECT”, including: a) a cover letter (up to 500 words), b) a CV (up to 3 pages), c) three references (names, job titles and email addresses).