Selected candidate will work on a project that investigates the impact of micro– and nanoplastics (MNPs) on inflammatory bowel diseases; applications will be received until October 28th
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), in collaboration with the University of São Paulo (USP), offers a PhD scholarship under the USP–CNPEM public notice. The opportunity involves the impact of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on inflammatory bowel diseases, with a special focus on the role of NETosis (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps) in the progression and worsening of these pathologies. The deadline for applications is October 28, 2025.
The successful candidate will be supervised by researcher Fernando Queiroz Cunha (USP) and the project will be developed at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo.
Candidates profile
The vacancy is open to Brazilians and foreigners, and is intended for candidates with university education in areas related to biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, chemistry, immunology or similar, with a degree in related areas.
It is desirable for the candidate to have an academic master’s degree from an institution recognized by the MEC and experience in animal models, flow cytometry, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and biochemical and immunological assays. The ideal profile includes the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, good scientific communication, proactivity and organization, as well as intermediate English proficiency for scientific reading and writing.
Applications
Applications will be received exclusively by email (fdqcunha@fmrp.usp.br), with attached documentation in PDF format, and must be sent to Prof. Dr. Fernando Cunha, the project’s main researcher, by October 28, 2025.
- Updated curriculum vitae;
- Cover letter indicating the reason for interest in the scholarship, with a brief account of your experience.
Scholarship features, selection and results
The PhD scholarship will last 24 months, renewable for another 24 months depending on the scientific report and budget availability. The selection of candidates will be carried out by analyzing the documentation received, evaluating the resumes of qualified candidates, and an interview to be scheduled. The result will be announced by email from October 30, 2025, with the implementation of the scholarship scheduled for November 3, 2025. The scholarship has a monthly stipend of R$ 5,520.00.
Further information can be found in the announcement.
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).
