PRR Project

Summary

The Mediterranean region, warming faster than the global average, faces heightened pressures on agroecosystems. Unsustainable practices and climatic threats synergize to deteriorate soil quality, impacting ecosystem services valued at $235-577 billion annually. Addressing this requires an interdisciplinary approach, focused on sustainable soil health and ecosystem service maintenance under escalating climate challenges.State-of-the-art research highlights the potential of biochar, a carbonaceous product from biomass pyrolysis, to simultaneously improve soil properties, processes, and functions. Biochar application enhances ecosystem adaptation and resilience to climate change while contributing to carbon sequestration. Recognizing this potential, this strategic initiative, aligned with the EU Green Deal and UN SDGs, seeks a skilled specialist in biochar-based sustainable soil management.This position strengthens CESAM´s and DAO´s expertise in biochar research and implementation for climate-smart soil ecosystem management, solidifying its position as a leading soil and biochar Centre of excellence. It fosters innovative approaches, aligning with EU Soil Thematic Strategy, Horizon Europe Soil Health Mission, and FAO´s Global Soil Partnership, to tackle identified challenges.Aligned with Research Cluster 2 (Soil Functions, Agriculture and Forestry) and Research Line 2 (Environmental Management, Pollution and Modelling), this role focuses on:Unveiling the intricate soil-biochar-biota-climate interactions at pot to field scales through empirical, applied, and policy-oriented research.Developing innovative and effective ecosystem management approaches to enhance soil health, support agricultural ecosystem functions, and optimize crop yields under climatic and anthropogenic pressure.Identifying suitable soil health indicators and optimizing monitoring tools for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.Evaluating the long-term economic and environmental benefits of biochar application in various agricultural and agroforestry settings.Collaborating with stakeholders to translate research findings into practical solutions for sustainable land management and policy development.Responsibilities include:Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in complementary fields and relevant stakeholders to direct research and maximize development/implementation of sustainable soil management solutions.Contributing to comprehensive assessment and monitoring of soil-biochar interactions using cutting-edge techniques and field experiments.Disseminating research findings through high-impact publications and communications targeting specialized and wider audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and the general public.Promoting demonstration and knowledge transfer activities to stakeholders through workshops, field days, and extension materials.Securing external funding through competitive proposals and contributing to acquiring specialized human resources.Supporting lecturing activities, attracting, supervising/co-supervising students, and examining dissertations, nurturing future soil scientists.Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that enhances scientific excellence and well-being within the research team.Establishing/leading a research team, providing intellectual leadership and direction.The ideal candidate must have strong experience in applied research and science supporting sustainable soil management policies, with a proven track record in biochar implementation for improving agricultural soil properties under a climate change adaptation perspective.Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate:Proven experience in interdisciplinary studies and integration with multidisciplinary research teams.The capacity to establish and maintain national and international collaborations.Significant experience in project coordination, management, and budget administration.A track record in supervising students and contributing to developing the next generation of scientists.Other relevant editorial, management, and student supervision roles.This position contributes to CESAM´s strategic goals and addresses critical environmental challenges related to soil health and climate change, fostering a sustainable and resilient future aligned with EU and international priorities.