The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), in collaboration with the University of São Paulo (USP), is offering a doctoral or direct doctorate fellowship (R$ 5,520.00) as part of the USP-CNPEM joint call for candidates. This opportunity involves studying the synthesis and mechanochemical transformations of multicomponent materials, with a focus on plasmonic nanoparticles and high-entropy oxides with potential electrochemical activity.
Supervised by: Dr. Paulo de Oliveira (IQUSP) and Dr. Amélie Rochet (LNLS/CNPEM)
The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.
Lines and activities:
- Mechano-chemical synthesis of plasmonic nanoparticles supported on semiconductor oxides and high entropy oxides.
- Study and optimization of grinding parameters and structural/electronic characterization of materials (MET, DRX, XPS and XAS).
- Develop strategies for in situ mechano-chemical experiments on the QUATI beamline line and carry out X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies with temporal resolution and correlate with electrochemical activity.
The doctoral fellow will develop hybrid materials prepared via mechanochemistry methods, investigating factors ranging from structural formation via in situ X-ray absorption to the performance of these materials as (electro)catalysts in reactions to produce high-energy density molecules as a way to assess the relationship between synthesis and the properties and activity of these hybrids. The project also involves developing the first in situ strategies for mechano-chemical synthesis studies involving the QUATI beamline.
Background and requirements
- All candidates must have passed the Unified Chemistry Exam (Exame Unificado de Química, EUQ) in order to enter the program.
- Experience in synthesis and characterization of materials is a plus.
- Interest in working in the areas of mechanochemistry and solid state, electrochemistry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
Working details
The activities will be carried out at LNLS/CNPEM (Campinas) and IQUSP (São Paulo), under the supervision of Dr. Paulo de Oliveira (IQUSP) and Dr. Amélie Rochet (LNLS/CNPEM).
Fellowship details
Monthly value: R$ 5,520.00
Initial duration: 12 months
Possible renewal: for up to 12 months, subject to assessment of the scientific report and budget availability
How to apply
Send an email to paulofmo@usp.br and amelie.rochet@lnls.br with the following documents attached:
1 – Academic transcript from undergraduate (for direct doctorate) or master’s studies (regular doctorate)
2 – CV
3 – Letter of interest.
Important dates:
Applications accepted until January 31, 2026.
Activities begin March 1, 2026.
Applicants can find more information about this call for candidates on the CNPEM website and the USP portal.
About CNPEM
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is home to a state-of-the-art, multi-user and multidisciplinary scientific environment and works on different fronts within the Brazilian National System for Science, Technology and Innovation. A social organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), CNPEM is driven by research that impacts the areas of health, energy, renewable materials, and sustainability. It is responsible for Sirius, the largest assembly of scientific equipment constructed in the country, and is currently constructing Project Orion, a laboratory complex for advanced pathogen research. Highly specialized science and engineering teams, sophisticated infrastructure open to the scientific community, strategic lines of investigation, innovative projects involving the productive sector, and training for researchers and students are the pillars of this institution that is unique in Brazil and able to serve as a bridge between knowledge and innovation. CNPEM’s research and development activities are carried out through its four National Laboratories: Synchrotron Light (LNLS), Biosciences (LNBio), Nanotechnology (LNNano), Biorenewables (LNBR), as well as its Technology Unit (DAT) and the Ilum School of Science — an undergraduate program in Science and Technology supported by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
