The fellowship is open to graduates in Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields; applications must be submitted by December 17
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) invites applications for a doctoral fellowship at the Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano). The position is part of a research project developed at CNPEM in partnership with the Graduate Program of the Department of Materials Engineering (DEMa) at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar).
Application Deadline: December 17, 2025.
Role description
The successful candidate will enroll in the doctoral program at DEMa/UFSCar and conduct their research activities at LNNano, located on the CNPEM campus. The fellowship is funded by Shell Brasil through the Center for Innovation in New Energies (CINE) for a duration of 41 months.
In addition to the monthly stipend, CNPEM provides chartered transportation (shuttle service) and access to the campus cafeteria.
Project summary
The position is linked to the project “Characterization of iridium-based electrocatalysts by pair distribution function obtained from electron diffraction.” The research aims to use electron diffraction patterns acquired by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to calculate the electron pair distribution function (e-PDF). This approach will enable the ex-situ characterization of the atomic structure of iridium (Ir)-based electrocatalysts, helping to understand the factors influencing their degradation during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and their catalytic performance.
Key responsibilities
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Develop an e-PDF methodology using transmission electron microscopy (TEM);
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Perform morphological, chemical, and structural characterization of Ir-based electrocatalysts before and after catalytic deactivation using e-PDF and TEM;
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Investigate the structural nature of the materials (crystalline, amorphous, or hybrid) by evaluating bond distances and correlating structural changes with stability and catalytic efficiency.
Requirements
Candidates must hold an Undergraduate or Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields.
Selection criteria
The selection process will be based on:
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Curriculum vitae (CV) analysis;
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Cover letter (Motivation letter);
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Recommendation letter.
Fellowship details
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Monthly stipend: R$ 4,600.00;
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Duration: 41 months;
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Funding: Shell Brasil via CINE.
How to apply
Please send all the required documents in PDF format to lnnano.dir@lnnano.cnpem.br. Applications must be submitted by December 17, 2025.
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).
