Position Description:
The Soil Ecology Lab at Indiana University Bloomington is seeking a PhD student for Fall 2025. The position involves research on tropical soil ecology and agroecology, focusing on soil and plant responses to tree management and their connections to soil carbon dynamics within cocoa-based agroforestry systems in southern Bahia, Brazil. The research will explore mechanisms and spatial patterns related to soil fauna and soil carbon dynamics across various agroforestry treatments. The student will collaborate closely with project partners from Mondelez R&D, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (Brazil), and Western University (Canada).
Qualifications:
- A strong interest in soil ecology, agroecology, or related environmental sciences.
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork and collaborate internationally.
Research Topics/Area:
- Soil and plant responses to tree management.
- Soil fauna and soil carbon dynamics in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.
- Mechanisms and spatial patterns across agroforestry treatments.
Project Details:
The research focuses on tropical soil ecology, evaluating soil carbon dynamics and their relationship with tree management and soil fauna across diverse agroforestry systems in southern Bahia, Brazil.
Apply:
Interested candidates should email Dr. André Franco at franco@iu.edu with:
- CV
- Additional inquiries, if any
About PI/Dr./Professor:
Dr. André Franco is an Assistant Professor at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington.
About University:
Indiana University Bloomington is a renowned public research university in the United States. The O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is recognized for its excellence in environmental science and public affairs programs.
About the Location:
Bloomington, Indiana, offers a welcoming academic environment with rich cultural and recreational opportunities. Known for its vibrant music scene and proximity to nature, Bloomington provides an excellent quality of life for students and professionals.