We can host scientists of all levels (undergraduate, MSc and PhD students, post-docs, senior researchers), for collaborative projects that are related to water quality. We can supervise and support Thesis and Dissertations.Some projects can be virtual (e.g., in computational data analysis). If you are interested in what we do please contact us by email.  

19/8/2024
Call for PhD, MSc and undergraduate students, University of São Paulo, Brazil (Deadline 30/9/2024)
AquOmixLab participates in a research project on cyanopeptides in water reservoirs of São Paulo, Brazil. The project is funded by FAPESP and coordinated by Mathias Chia. Please see a call for PhD, MSc and undergraduate students, by Mathias Chia:
Advertisement for Student Recruitment
We are seeking motivated and passionate students to join our groundbreaking research project, "Elucidating and Predicting the Ecological Roles of Cyanopeptides in Four São Paulo State Public Water Supply Reservoirs".
This project is funded under the FAPESP Young Investigators Grants (Grant number: 23/00798-4) and spans from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2029. The research is led by Prof. Mathias Ahii Chia at the Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São (USP).
Available Positions
- PhD Students (3 positions)
- MSc Students (4 positions)
- Undergraduate Students (6 positions)
Project Overview
Brazil has faced recurring cyanobacterial blooms and elevated cyanotoxins in public water supplies. This project will focus on studying cyanopeptides, bioactive compounds produced during cyanobacterial blooms, across four major water reservoirs in São Paulo State (Barra Bonita, Bariri, Três Irmãos, and Nova Avanhandava). The goal is to develop predictive models for bloom formation and cyanopeptide production using advanced metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and ecotoxicological analysis. Our findings will contribute to enhanced water quality monitoring and public health risk mitigation.
Key Collaborators
This project is supported by a team of renowned experts, including:
- Daniel Roelke
- Marcelo Luiz Martins Pompêo
- Matthew Harke
- Miquel Lurling
- Sandra Maria Feliciano de Oliveira e Azevedo
- Triantafyllos Kaloudis
- Viviane Moschini Carlos
What We Offer
- Cutting-edge research opportunities in microbial ecology, cyanobacterial blooms, and ecosystem monitoring
- Full access to state-of-the-art facilities at USP
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with leading international researchers
- Funding support for research and conference participation
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for students with strong backgrounds in Biological Sciences, particularly in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, and related fields. Experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, water quality monitoring, and ecosystem ecology is a plus.
How to Apply
Interested students should send the following:
- A cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Contact information for two academic references
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Send Applications to: chia28us@yahoo.com
Join us in advancing ecological science and contributing to the sustainability of public water resources in São Paulo State!

Principal Investigator:
Prof. Mathias Ahii Chia
Department of Ecology, Instituto de Biociências (IB), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil