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Bioluminescent Mushroom Researcher
IPBio is looking for a long-term volunteer who can focus on searching for new species of bioluminescent mushrooms, photographing them, and finding conditions that allow their cultivation in a laboratory. The position entails active searching during both day and night; photographing mushrooms in the forest and at the research center; filming the development process; and testing various substrate co...
IPBio is looking for a long-term volunteer who can focus on searching for new species of bioluminescent mushrooms, photographing them, and finding conditions that allow their cultivation in a laboratory. The position entails active searching during both day and night; photographing mushrooms in the forest and at the research center; filming the development process; and testing various substrate compositions, temperatures, and other factors conducive to mushroom development in the lab. Bioluminescent mushrooms are only abundant during summer, when humid conditions are favorable to their development. IPBio wishes to develop a protocol that allows us to grow them in the lab under controlled conditions so they are readily available all year long. This would allow researchers to study them o...
Program Highlights
Volunteer for a biodiversity research institute in Brazil.
Focus on searching for new species of bioluminescent mushrooms.
Photograph the mushrooms in both the forest and at the research center.
Find out the conditions that allow scientists to cultivate these mushrooms in the lab.
Spend 3-6 months or longer living and volunteering in Sao Paulo.
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Glowing Petri Dishes














Quick Details
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- 3-6 Months
- 7-12 Months
- Conservation
- Environment
- All Nationalities
Awards








Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Glowing mushroom researcher
by: Ben Sword - United StatesProgram: Bioluminescent Mushroom ResearcherIPBio is an oasis of rainforest among the ever shrinking Atlantic forest. The people working there truly have a passion for nature, conservation, and community. They do everything they possibly can to ensure your stay is enjoyable, safe and remains focused on these passions. From glowing mushrooms, to monkeys, fish, frogs, and rehabilitating birds and coatis, IPBio has something for everyone in the realm of conservation. Even all of your food scraps are converted into fertilizer for the gardens, from which you can eat fresh lettuce, peppers and pumpkins. IPBio is a truly magical place. During my three month stay, I discovered a new species of Cordyceps mushroom and photographed a novel species of robber fly, among many other wonderful specimens of the wildlife there. The friendships you make here will last a lifetime, maybe more, and the place will draw you back for repeated visits to one of the most amazing places on Earth. Iporanga.
The best choice I ever made was applying for IPBio
by: Noah Collins - United StatesProgram: Bioluminescent Mushroom ResearcherI could not be more pleased with my stay at IPBio. It was by far the best decision I made after finishing my environmental degree. I was able to get exceptional experience for grad school and had a blast every day. Everyone who works there you will find to be incredibly helpful and fun to hang around. There are all kinds of programs in the science field. I had the role of bioluminescent mushroom researcher. I got to go out on hikes looking for new species of these mushrooms as well as work in a lab trying to cultivate them. I loved my job and being able to learn from the staff. My job was like a puzzle. I look at all the information I can on growing mushrooms and then look at all the past projects that have been done at IPBio. I needed to figure out a way to get some of these mushrooms to grow by inventing a new experiment. It was also amazing to learn how to photograph the bioluminescence in the dark room. My fruiting box with Mycena lucentipes logs in it ended up fruiting which was really exciting. My job gave me enough time in the lab for good experience but also brought me in the field which is so much fun. Imran was the biggest help from the day of my interview until I got home safe and sound. The staff all have expertise in different fields making them excellent resources for different things. The place where I stayed was clean and even had some private rooms. I was doing the mushroom researching for three months and had a room all to myself. However, the entire volunteer house really was like a hotel clean and comfy. Outside of work hours, I got to explore the cave capital of Brazil and even see every cave in the guidebook. Imran helps set up these guided tours for outside of work time spent as well. These were incredible experiences. Recalling all of the time spent working at IPBio really makes me miss that place. I will have to go back because it really was a perfect of a trip.
I grew shrooms that glow, what more do you need to know
by: Jason Raiti - United StatesProgram: Bioluminescent Mushroom ResearcherIPBio is an awesome organization. In terms of communication, they do an awesome job considering the challenges of the jungle. In terms of organization, I found the work comfortably structured but also open ended as I was able to design and pursue many of my own projects. While I was there, I had the opportunity to grow 5+ species of never-before-grown species of mushrooms, and I was able to take part in a lot of the same work the professional biologists on the reserve were doing. I was incredibly comfortable once I adjusted, and I felt like part of a family and community in IPBio and in Iporanga. 9/10 highly recommended! The most common complaint I heard during the program was the wifi in the jungle was not the best. But once you get used to it, I found it pretty refreshing. As for future volunteers and interns... The best advice I can give you is to make the most of every moment and to keep a record of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Meet and talk to as many people as you can. Learn Portuguese, start with just a few words every day. Make friends, be open-minded, try everything! Learn as much as you can: to make fire anywhere anyhow, to travel for dirt cheap, to ask more questions and talk less, to grow bioluminescent shrooms, to Samba and Forro, to haggle, to make a killer caipirinha, etc. And don't forget to talk to and hang out with the awesome staff, they are some of the most interesting people in the world. Oh and have fun!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Ecology
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 3-6 Months
- 7-12 Months
- 3-6 Months
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples
Cost per week
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Guest House
Qualifications & Experience
- English
- Portuguese
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Resume
- Written Application
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