The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), through the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), in partnership with the University of São Paulo (USP), is offering a postdoctoral fellowship opportunity for a research project in the fields of microbiology, natural products chemistry, and metabolomics. The position is available under the 2nd Joint Fellowship Call 2025 – Research Collaboration Program between USP and CNPEM.
The project, entitled “Stingless Bee Microbiomes: Uncovering Brazilian Biodiversity for Health Innovation,” will be developed collaboratively between the Ribeirão Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USP (FCFRP-USP) and LNBio/CNPEM. The application deadline is June 10, 2026.
Main Activities
The selected candidate will be expected to carry out the following activities:
- Selection and characterization of symbiotic bacteria associated with stingless bees;
- Microbial cultivation and extraction procedures;
- Metabolomic analysis using UHPLC-MS/MS;
- Genome mining and integrated genomic and metabolomic data analyses;
- Biological evaluation of extracts and isolated compounds through antimicrobial assays;
- Selective cytotoxicity and target-oriented assays;
- Isolation and structural elucidation of novel natural products;
- Development of an integrated project database;
- Scientific manuscript preparation and dissemination of results at scientific events.
Requirements for the Postdoctoral Fellowship
Applicants must have:
- A PhD in Sciences, Natural Products, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, or related fields;
- Demonstrated experience in microbial natural products chemistry;
- Experience in metabolomic and genomic data analysis;
- Availability to work at USP in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, and conduct experiments at CNPEM in Campinas, São Paulo.
Fellowship Conditions
- Host Institution: Ribeirão Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USP (FCFRP-USP) – Ribeirão Preto, SP, with activities at LNBio/CNPEM – Campinas, SP;
- Fellowship amount: BRL 12,000 per month;
- Initial duration: 24 months;
- Renewal possibility: Up to 12 additional months, subject to scientific report evaluation and budget availability;
- Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Mônica Tallarico Pupo (FCFRP-USP) and Dr. Rafael de Felício (LNBio/CNPEM).
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A cover letter detailing previous experience and motivation (maximum two pages);
- Links to the applicant’s Lattes CV and other academic profiles;
- Two recommendation letters.
Applications should be sent simultaneously to:
mtpupo@fcfrp.usp.br and rafael.felicio@lnbio.cnpem.br
with the subject line: “USP-CNPEM Postdoctoral Fellowship”
Selection Timeline
- Application deadline: June 10, 2026
- Results announcement: By June 24, 2026
- Fellowship start date: From July 1, 2026
About the Project
The project investigates the microbiomes of native Brazilian stingless bees as a promising source of novel biologically active natural products, aligned with the One Health concept. The proposal explores the chemical ecology of symbiotic bacteria associated with these bees, aiming to identify specialized metabolites involved in ecological functions such as pathogen defense, as well as compounds with therapeutic potential, particularly antimicrobial and anticancer agents.
The research integrates advanced metabolomics and genomics approaches (metabologenomics), combining USP’s expertise with CNPEM’s state-of-the-art infrastructure. Activities include integrated analyses of chemical and genetic data, isolation of microorganisms associated with stingless bees, and characterization of previously unknown natural products, contributing to the sustainable use and appreciation of Brazilian biodiversity.
Candidates may find additional information about the call in the news published on the CNPEM website and the USP portal. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to: mtpupo@fcfrp.usp.br and rafael.felicio@lnbio.cnpem.br
About LNBio
The Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio) is dedicated to the study of human health, combining integrative biology with advanced technologies. With competencies in gene editing, microphysiological systems, bioimaging, and tissue engineering, LNBio works to discover molecular targets and develop innovative therapies for illnesses that are of public importance. This broad approach, which includes molecules and living organisms, unravels molecular mechanisms to identify bioactive compounds that are essential to develop new active pharmaceutical ingredients. LNBio concentrates its efforts on demands from the public health system, using state-of-the-art infrastructure and a matrix work model to promote innovation and development at the crossroads between science and health. To integrate health with socioeconomic and environmental factors, LNBio serves as a scientific platform that is available to the government, able to develop advanced technologies that respond to strategic issues. LNBio 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).
