Fellowship involves in-person work at CNPEM’s campus in Campinas over 12 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 cellulose nanofibrils to develop ultralight cryogels.” 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 center around developing highly porous and environmentally friendly materials based on cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) extracted from sugarcane bagasse.
The selected fellow will work to produce and characterize these materials, using freeze-drying to develop CNF cryogels with different densities. Activities will include characterizing the nanofibrils (using atomic force microscopy, AFM) and evaluating the morphological and mechanical properties of the cryogels (via X-ray microtomography and compression tests) for potential application as filters for capturing hydrophobic compounds.
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 their relevant experience (maximum two pages) via email to rubia.gouveia@lnnano.cnpem.br by July 28, 2025 (extended).
About the fellowships
This fellowship opportunity is part of FAPESP’s Undergraduate Introduction to Research modality. For more information on this type of fellowship, visit FAPESP’s website detailing fellowship amounts and types.
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).
