Fellowship involves in-person work at CNPEM’s campus in Campinas over 24 months
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), with support from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), is offering an undergraduate introduction to research fellowship within the scope of a project entitled “Production of nanolignin via ultrafine friction milling: impact of chemical modification of nanostructures.” The project will be carried out at the Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano), which is part of CNPEM, under the supervision of researcher Rubia Figueredo Gouveia.
The fellowship and project involve investigating the technical and economic feasibility of using ultrafine friction milling (UFM) processes to produce nanolignin from alkaline lignin.
The successful candidate will evaluate how the degree of acetylation affects UFM efficiency, and assess the economic viability of nanolignin production to determine potential for scaling up.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate in chemistry, engineering (chemistry or materials) or related areas.
- Previous experience with biomass extraction desirable.
- Knowledge of biomass characterization techniques desirable.
- Intermediate-level English.
How to apply
Interested candidates should send their Lattes CV and a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, as well as a brief summary of relevant experience (maximum two pages) via email to rubia.gouveia@lnnano.cnpem.br by June 30, 2025.
About the fellowships
This fellowship opportunity is part of FAPESP’s Undergraduate Introduction to Research modality. To learn more about this fellowship modality, values and benefits, visit the FAPESP website at https://fapesp.br/valores/bolsasnopais.
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).
