The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials), through the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory), in partnership with the Virology Research Center at FMRP-USP, is offering a postdoctoral fellowship under the CNPEM-USP partnership for the development of a research project in the field of virus–cell interactions, with a focus on bunyaviruses.
General Information
- Host Institutions: Virology Research Center at FMRP-USP and LNBio/CNPEM
- Research Location: FMRP-USP (with planned periods at CNPEM in Campinas)
- Fellowship: BRL 12,000 per month
- Duration: 24 months (renewable)
- Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Luis Lamberti P. da Silva (FMRP-USP) and Rafael Elias Marques (LNBio-CNPEM)
- Expected Start Date: August 2026
About the Project
The project will investigate cellular mechanisms involved in bunyavirus infection, integrating approaches such as cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET), light microscopy, and protein biochemistry, with emphasis on the mechanisms of action of antiviral compounds. The research will be conducted in a highly collaborative environment, leveraging the advanced infrastructure available at FMRP-USP and CNPEM.
Requirements
Candidates with an independent and collaborative profile, and a strong interest in cellular virology and structural biology. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in most of the following techniques:
- Confocal and electron microscopy
- Molecular cloning
- Cell culture and DNA/RNA transfection
- Flow cytometry (FACS)
- Real-time PCR
- Protein–protein interaction analysis
Previous experience with Cryo-EM and Cryo-ET will be considered a strong advantage.
Applications
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file by June 10, 2026, to Luis Lamberti P. da Silva (lldasilva@fmrp.usp.br) or Rafael Elias Marques (rafael.marques@lnbio.cnpem.br), including:
- A concise letter describing academic/scientific achievements and motivation for joining the project
- A link to the applicant’s Lattes CV
- Contact information for two researchers/former supervisors who may provide reference letters
The selection process will consist of document review and an interview.
The fellowship is expected to begin in August 2026.
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).
