The National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), through the Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano), is offering a FAPESP Technical Training Fellowship Level V (TT-V) for a research project in the fields of surface physics, nanomaterials, and two-dimensional materials. The project will be carried out at the In Situ Growth Laboratory of the Nanomaterials Division at LNNano/CNPEM, located in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. The research will focus on two-dimensional (2D) materials, thin-film growth under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions, and characterization using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS). Applications will be accepted until July 10, 2026.
About the Project
The fellowship is associated with the project “Quantum Photonics: From 2D Materials to Biological Molecules” (FAPESP Grant No. 2025/23257-4), a joint initiative between CNPEM and the Physics Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The project was selected under the FAPESP–FAPERJ call for the development of Quantum Technologies.
The project aims to investigate how material–substrate interactions influence structural properties, electronic behavior, and emergent phenomena in low-dimensional systems. Activities will include the study and engineering of defects in 2D materials for photonic applications, primarily using STM and STS techniques.
Main Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be expected to:
- Prepare samples and perform STM analyses;
- Operate cryogenic and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems;
- Prepare crystalline surfaces and grow thin films;
- Acquire, process, and analyze STM/STS data;
- Perform complementary characterization using techniques such as AFM, XPS, and XRD;
- Develop and optimize experimental protocols.
Fellowship Objectives
- Investigate the structural and electronic properties of 2D materials and molecular films on metallic surfaces;
- Understand the role of substrate–film interactions in low-dimensional systems;
- Develop advanced expertise in STM/STS and UHV growth techniques;
- Contribute to research in nanotechnology, photonics, and emerging devices.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, or a related field; or, according to FAPESP TT-V fellowship regulations, at least five years of research or professional experience after completing an undergraduate degree;
- Demonstrated experience with atomic-scale surface characterization techniques, particularly STM and STS;
- Knowledge of low-dimensional materials, including molecular films, 2D materials, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), or heterostructures;
- Strong ability to analyze and interpret complex experimental data;
- Experience in surface preparation, thin-film growth, and/or crystalline materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with UHV systems and/or cryogenic temperatures;
- Experience with 2D materials, defect engineering, quantum photonic materials, or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth;
- Familiarity with structural, electronic, and optical properties of materials;
- Programming and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar tools);
- Experience working in multi-user facilities or shared research infrastructures.
Fellowship Conditions
- Fellowship type: FAPESP TT-V Technical Training Fellowship;
- Location: LNNano/CNPEM, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil;
- Initial duration: 12 months;
- Possibility of extension for an additional 12 months;
- Full-time dedication (40 hours per week);
- Monthly stipend: BRL 9,760.00, according to the current FAPESP fellowship table.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A motivation letter (maximum two pages) highlighting previous experience relevant to the project;
- A curriculum vitae including links to the Lattes CV and other academic profiles;
- One recommendation letter;
- Undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts.
Applications should be sent exclusively by email to: bruna.baggio@lnnano.cnpem.br with the subject line: “TT-V Fellowship STM/2D Materials”.
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), with the involvement of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, 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.
