The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), in partnership with the São Carlos Institute of Physics at the University of São Paulo (IFSC-USP), is offering a PhD scholarship for a research project in the field of semiconductor materials and photoelectrochemical systems aimed at green hydrogen production.
The project will be carried out within research activities conducted at the Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano/CNPEM) and IFSC-USP, focusing on the study of BiVO₄- and CuFe₂O₄-based semiconductor photoanodes applied in tandem devices for sustainable hydrogen production. Applications are open until June 20, 2026.
Main Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be expected to:
- Synthesize and characterize BiVO₄- and CuFe₂O₄-based semiconductor photoanodes;
- Develop and optimize photoelectrochemical systems;
- Investigate tandem devices for green hydrogen production;
- Perform structural, optical, and electrochemical characterization of materials;
- Analyze the photoelectrochemical performance of the devices.
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or a related field;
- Proficiency in English;
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment;
- Availability to work on-site at LNNano/CNPEM in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Scholarship Conditions
- Research location: São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo (IFSC-USP), and LNNano/CNPEM, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil;
- Initial duration: 24 months;
- Possibility of renewal;
- Expected starting date: August 2026.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A motivation letter (maximum one page);
- A recommendation letter;
- A curriculum vitae including links to the applicant’s Lattes CV and other academic profiles.
Applications must be submitted exclusively by email to: ftq@lnnano.cnpem.br, with the subject line: “FUSPDR H2 Scholarship – [Name]”.
About LNNano
The Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano) works in research and development at the nano scale using sophisticated infrastructure and highly specialized teams that can search for answers to scientific challenges and leverage technology solutions. Its open facilities comprise a center that is unrivaled in Brazil and include electron and atomic force microscopy, as well as clean rooms and laboratory spaces that allow activities ranging from materials synthesis and characterization to device manufacturing. Scientific research at LNNano covers strategic topics where nanoscience and nanotechnology can help solve problems facing the country, in areas like renewable energy, materials for sustainability, health and quantum devices. LNNano is part of the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) in Campinas, São Paulo, a private, non-profit organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI).
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).
