The project emphasizes the conservation and protection of natural areas, while also integrating tree species that are preferably native, low-maintenance, and suitable for climate change for new plantings. Additionally, it focuses on designing solutions that ensure optimal conditions for tree growth near industrial buildings. The project seeks to enhance environmental quality, provide recreational and aesthetic benefits, and promote sustainability.The project employs a structured methodology that includes research and analysis, species selection and design, implementation and optimization, and monitoring and evaluation. In brief, analyses and interviews with stakeholders will be conducted to understand the current usage and needs of green spaces, site inspections to evaluate the conditions of existing natural areas and the surroundings of industrial buildings, analysis of local climate data to identify tree species that are suitable for future planting and resilient to climate change, and review of successful conservation and green area projects to identify best practices and innovative approaches. The species selection and area design will be carried out by selecting species resilient to climate change, focusing on attributes such as drought tolerance and heat resistance. The area design will ensure the maximum provision of ecosystem services, including the conservation of existing biodiversity and ecological, recreational, and aesthetic benefits.

The selected candidate will have to develop a unique skill set including the capability of analyzing both standard (e.g., ecophysiological results) and high-dimensional data (e.g. hyperspectral and multivariate data sets) to improve the monitoring of plants under biotic and abiotic stress. The prospective candidate should be highly motivated to perform research at an advanced level. Experience in standard Urban green areas and landscape planning and management is essential. The preferred candidate should have a Degree in Agricultural Science or related field. Good Italian and English communication skills are essential.

The Urban green areas and landscape planning and management group of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the University of Pisa leaded by Prof. Damiano Remorini, also includes Full and Associate Professors, PhD students, and some technicians. Major research interests include advancing vegetation spectroscopy and the concept of hyperspectral phenotyping of plant stress, and physio-chemical responses of plants to biotic/abiotic stresses. The group is equipped of greenhouses and ozone-exposure facilities, as well as field and lab equipment for morpho-physiological and biochemical analyses (e.g., photosynthesis systems, Chl a fluorometer, HPLC, GC-MS, microbiology tools).