Postdoctoral Researcher in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation - Amazon Waters Alliance
Location
Ecuador (with travel to Brazil and other Amazon regions)
Organization
University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development (IDSM), and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Type of Contract
Full-time, temporary contract for 14 months (start date: June 2025)
Main Description
We seek a full-time postdoctoral Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Scientist to coordinate and implement a project within the Alliance of Amazon Waters (AAA).
The Amazon Waters Alliance (AAA) is a coalition of 29 organizations across multiple countries, dedicated to conserving the integrity and connectivity of the Amazon Basin's aquatic ecosystems through science-based actions, public policy advocacy, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Its main objectives include integrated watershed management, sustainable fisheries, mitigating infrastructure impacts, and ensuring collective action for transboundary conservation.
By 2026, the Amazon Waters Alliance (AWA) aims to enhance protection, management, and connectivity of 27 million hectares of freshwater social-ecological systems in the Amazon Basin. This will be achieved by deepening collective knowledge of these systems' conditions, using evidence to influence policies and programs, and fostering partnerships prioritizing Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society, and science.
The selected candidate will be employed on a temporary contract at USFQ for the project's duration.
Key Responsibilities
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a conceptual framework and monitoring proposal for Amazon freshwater social-ecological systems
• Design and test participatory monitoring approaches for water and freshwater ecosystem management
• Conduct fieldwork in key sub-basins (e.g., Napo and Middle Solimões) to develop a state-of-the-art monitoring program and database and validate monitoring methods for long-term sites
• Synthesize and communicate key findings on biodiversity, hydrology, connectivity, and conservation strategies
• Collaborate with researchers, institutions, and stakeholders in Amazonian countries to advance freshwater conservation efforts
• Support third-party research funding and grant-writing efforts
• Organize and participate in workshops, symposia, and training sessions to engage scientists, policymakers, and local communities
• Foster science communication and outreach, ensuring research findings reach diverse audiences
• Contribute to project coordination and impact assessment within the Amazon Waters Alliance (AAA) initiative
Requirements
• PhD in Biological Sciences, Conservation Science, Aquatic Sciences, Geography, or a related field
• Expertise in at least one of the following areas:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Aquatic biodiversity research
- Spatial modeling (e.g., geospatial analysis, ecological or hydrological modeling)
- Science communication and outreach
- Citizen Science and Participatory Research
- Framework development and research design
• Strong background in biodiversity and freshwater ecosystem research
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and teamwork skills
• Experience in conceptual frameworks and monitoring systems
• Proficient or familiar with spatial modeling and geospatial analysis
• Skilled in science communication and dissemination to diverse audiences
• Strong publication record
• Experience with field research in freshwater environments
• Ability to design and manage research projects
• Proficient or familiar with statistical software (e.g., R, Python)
• Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken)
Benefits/Conditions
• Start Date: June 2025
• Contract Duration: 14 months
• The postdoctoral fellow is expected to travel between Ecuador and Brazil to different places in the Amazon region
• USFQ and IDSM will provide the researcher with access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure and foster interdisciplinary collaboration
How to Apply
Please submit the following application materials in English:
• CV
• Certificates
• List of publications and funding
• Motivation letter (one page)
Applications should be sent to aencalada@usfq.edu.ec by May 30, 2025.
Please note that interviews will be conducted in English.
For More Information
For inquiries, please contact:
- Daniela Rosero-López, PhD: droserol@usfq.edu.ec
- Ayan Fleischman, PhD: ayan.fleischmann@mamiraua.org.br
About the Leading Institutions
The University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is a leading research institution in South America, located in Quito, Ecuador. It manages the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Ecuadorian Amazon and is committed to advancing research on biodiversity, conservation, and the sustainable management of natural resources in the Amazon.
The Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development (IDSM) is a renowned research institution in Tefé, Brazil. The institute promotes scientific research on biodiversity, natural resource management, and conservation in the Amazon, focusing on participatory and sustainable approaches.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global organization dedicated to conserving wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. Its mission is to protect biodiversity and iconic species, and its vision is a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on Earth.
The leading institutions are dedicated to promoting diversity and gender equity. We are committed to increasing the representation of women in underrepresented fields and actively supporting their career advancement. We strongly encourage qualified women to apply.