Dr Rafael Carballeira is currently a substitute lecturer in the area of Botany in the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science at the University of A Coruña (UDC). Dr Rafael Carballeira worked as a posdoctoral researcher Juan de la Cierva 2021 (2023-2024) (2nd position at national level (99.5/100)). Also, Dr Rafael Carballeira was selected for the postdoctoral position Margarita Salas 2022 in the University of A Coruña (1st position at UDC level (92.4/100)).

Prior to start his PhD (2018-2021), Dr Rafael Carballeira worked as a researcher of the diatom test in cases of drowning at the Inst. Forensic Sciences USC. In 2013, he began the thesis at the Dept. Botany USC sharing his dedication with his participation as researcher in research projects (Predoctoral contract, Xunta de Galicia 2014), and he defended the thesis at the Earth Sciences of the UDC (2021). During that period, he has developed his research and teaching activities related to fundamental and applied fields of the botany and ecology of microalgae (diatoms) in aquatic ecosystems (main topics of his PhD). He completed his experience on the taxonomy, and microbial ecology of diatoms at the IRTA (R.Trobajo, 1 month, 2012) and U. Aveiro (Portugal, S.Almeida, 3 months 2015-2016). Also, he worked on the use of diatoms in paleoenvironmental studies in Atacama Desert and Salinas/Quebrada Tiburón (Chile) at the U. Cologne (Germany, V.Weinrich, 10 months 2019; P.Grunert, 2 months 2023),  wetlands (peatlands, lakes) in the Peruvian Andes 2 months 2024; Pablo Masías) and Azorean lakes at the U. Açores (Portugal, V.Gonçalves, 1 month).

His work focuses on understanding how the biology and (paleo)ecology of microalgae is linked to essential biogeochemical processes in inland aquatic ecosystems and subaerial environments, with relevant contributions to the taxonomy, biodiversity and ecology of diatoms, but also in applied fields such as (i) evaluation of ecological estatus and conservation of wetlands, lakes and peatlands; (ii) paleoenvironmental reconstruction; (iii) the development of phytoplankton image analysis methods for biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems (WFD, EU Habitats Directive); (iii) the validation of diatom test in drowning diagnostic; and (iv) control of subaerial algal biofilms on building Heritage in the context of smart cities. He co-lead the CIREF part of the Horizon 2020 European project (Spongeboost), and lead a minor contract with the Xunta de Galicia (Estado ecológico de la laguna de Sobrado), also I participated in 25 research projects with multiple and diverse research groups (12 non-oriented projects; 4 oriented to the transfer of knowledge to the public sector; 6 public-private collaboration projects). R. Carballeira has acquired initiative and management skills as a member of the research team in six of these projects, as well as transversal skills, such as the ability to work in a team and adaptability depending on the objectives. Currently, he is completing his experience acquiring complementary skills in molecular techniques and metagenomic applied to the aquatic ecosystems that will play a key role in advancing his career. R. Carballeira (h-index 14) has a total of 37 indexed research articles in last 10 years (2014-2023) (30 in total) (16 (Q1), 4 first decile; 14 (Q2); 2 (Q3); 4 (Q4)), with preferential positions in 18 articles and 2 in the Nature Portofolio editorial group (Scientific Data, Nature), with multiple international collaborations (i.a. Univ. Oxford, Köln, Milan, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh,…). Also, he participated in multinational studies on limnology such as the European Multi Lake Survey (EMLS). He is co-author of a book chapter on the management and conservation plan of a degraded wetland. In addition, he has participated in 34 scientific conferences (30 posters; 12 oral presentations; 3 invited talks), 25 of them national and 20 international. Also, he is scientific advisor of the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve (Peru).

R. Carballeira has improved his communication and student training skills, with 180 teaching hours in the Dept. of Botany (USC) and 43 h (14 h Master) in the Dept. of Ecology (UV). In addition, he is the supervisor of two doctoral theses in progress (USC). R. Carballeira been Guest Editor of Toxins and Review Editor of the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, also reviewer of the editorial Wiley-Scrivener, Environmental Pollution, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Catena, Toxins and other 10 journals. He has improved communication skills and have transferred scientific contributions to society through outreach, both locally and nationally, with 9 articles and 5 talks on wetlands. He has participated in the European Researcher’s Night 2021 (1 award for vulnerable ecosystem photography). In addition, he has participated in radio interviews (3), local journalistic news (12), and national television news and TV shows in prime time (LaSexta Noticias, Cuatro, Telecinco) (3).