FAPESP & University of São Paulo Open Prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship in Urban/Civil Law, Offering a Unique Interdisciplinary Research Opportunity

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and the University of São Paulo (USP) have officially announced a 28-month Postdoctoral Fellowship position within the groundbreaking thematic project "Observatory of Evictions." Under the supervision of Professor Diogo Rosenthal Coutinho and linked to the renowned project coordinated by Professor Raquel Rolnik, this scholarship offers a monthly stipend of R$ 12,570.00 plus a technical research reserve. The role seeks a dedicated PhD researcher to map legal risks in eviction processes, contributing to critical interdisciplinary work at the intersection of climate change, housing crises, and social justice.

About the Project & Host Institution

This fellowship is embedded in the prestigious "Observatory of Evictions" Thematic Project (FAPESP Process 2023/12851-7), hosted at the University of São Paulo's Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism (FAU-USP). For over a decade, this initiative has been at the forefront of identifying and analyzing forced evictions in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. This new phase challenges the very concept of "risk" as a tool for socio-territorial intervention, demanding rigorous legal analysis to understand the mechanisms driving displacement during intersecting environmental and housing crises. Fellows will work within LabCidade, a leading research laboratory known for its impactful urban studies.

Fellowship Opportunity Snapshot

• Position: FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellow (PD-BR)

• Project: Mapping Legal Risks in Eviction Processes

• Supervisor: Prof. Diogo Rosenthal Coutinho (Faculty of Law, USP)

• Host Institution: LabCidade, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, University of São Paulo (FAU-USP)

• Location: São Paulo, Brazil (On-site at Rua do Lago, 876)

• Duration: 28 Months

• Stipend: R$ 12,570.00 per month + 10% Technical Reserve

• Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Core Research Objectives & Responsibilities

The selected fellow will undertake high-level, interdisciplinary research, including:

• Developing a Legal Risk Framework: Creating an analytical methodology to map and systematize the complex legal provisions, judicial decisions, and public policies that enable evictions and removals.

• Empirical Legal Research: Analyzing judicial databases, coordinating with key stakeholders like the Public Defender's Office and civil entities, and monitoring ongoing cases.

• Policy Analysis: Examining urban and housing policies to identify mechanisms for assistance, compensation, and redress for displaced populations.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Actively participating in the project's academic team, contributing to events, and engaging with the broader objectives of the Evictions Observatory.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This unique role requires a researcher with a specific and proven skill set:

• Eligibility: A PhD obtained within the last 7 years, with full-time dedication to the research.

• Expertise: Strong background in administrative, urban planning, or civil law, coupled with hands-on experience in empirical legal research and case law analysis.

• Interdisciplinary Approach: A commitment to working across the fields of law, urban studies, public policy, and sociology.

• Language & Location: Fluency in Portuguese is a significant advantage. Availability for on-site work at LabCidade in São Paulo is mandatory.

• Commitment to Equity: Applications are strongly encouraged from individuals who identify as women, Black and Indigenous people, from marginalized communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

How to Apply for This Prestigious Fellowship

Interested candidates must submit their application via the official Google Form by March 1, 2026. Required documents include:

1. Curriculum Summary following the FAPESP template.

2. Postgraduate academic transcripts.

3. A cover letter (up to 1,500 words) detailing your interest in the project and relevant expertise.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early March 2026. The final selection is subject to approval by FAPESP.

Seize this chance to contribute to vital research with real-world impact. This fellowship is more than an academic position; it's an opportunity to shape the understanding of legal risk and housing justice in a time of global crisis. Align your research with a leading project and apply to advance both scholarship and social equity.

APPLY

For more opportunities, click here.