Jobs & positions

Field of Knowledge: Química / Chemistry

FAPESP Process Number: 2023/00246-1

Project Title:

Miniaturized devices for large-scale production: fabrication, characterization, and in-situ applications

Research Area:

Analytical Chemistry / Electrochemistry / Materials Science

Number of Positions: 1

Principal Investigator:
 Thiago Regis Longo Cesar da Paixão

Host Institution:

Institute of Chemistry / University of São Paulo – SP, Brazil

Application Deadline: 16/07/2025 (July 16, 2025)

Published on: 01/07/2025 (July 1, 2025)

Location:
 Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Butantã, 05508-000, São Paulo – SP, Brasil

E-mail for applications: trlcp@iq.usp.br

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available within the framework of the FAPESP Thematic Project (process no. 2023/00246-1), focusing on the development of miniaturized electrochemical sensors for scalable production. The selected candidate will be involved in the fabrication and advanced characterization of 3D-printed sensors, with a particular focus on nanoscale electrochemical activity using Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM). The project aims to understand how the structural heterogeneity of these devices affects their electrochemical performance by correlating SECCM data with spectroscopic techniques, including Raman, XPS, and AFM. The insights gained will support the development of novel, high-performance sensor designs for applications in diagnostics, environmental monitoring, quality control, and related fields.

The fellowship will be hosted at the Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (IQ-USP), under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Thiago Regis Longo Cesar da Paixão.

Essential Requirements:

1. PhD in Chemistry completed within the last 3 years;
2. Proven experience in electrochemistry, including techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and/or surface analysis;
3. Hands-on experience in sensor fabrication, particularly 3D printing of conductive materials or miniaturized devices;
4. Proficiency in materials characterization techniques (Raman, XPS, AFM, SEM);
5. A solid record of scientific publications in the fields of sensors, electrochemistry, or materials characterization.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous experience with Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) or related techniques such as Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) or Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM);
• Knowledge of numerical simulations applied to electrochemistry (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics or equivalent software);
• Strong ability to work in multidisciplinary teams;
• Proactive attitude, excellent organizational skills, and strong communication abilities (both written and oral).

Application Documents:

• Academic transcripts from undergraduate and PhD programs (if applicable);
• Link to the Lattes Curriculum (for Brazilian applicants) or an equivalent CV (for international applicants);
• A motivation letter highlighting the candidate’s fit for the project, relevant expertise, and research interests;
• One letter of recommendation.

Selection Process:

The selection process will start as soon as applications are received. Candidates will be evaluated based on their curriculum (including experience in the research field related to the project and the quality of their scientific publications), motivation letter, and letter of recommendation. An online interview via videoconference may be required for some candidates during the selection process.

the complete list of candidates and the final selection results by August 30, 2025. The selected candidate must submit all required documents to apply for the FAPESP fellowship within 15 days of receiving the approval notification.

Additional Information:

The position is open to Brazilian and international candidates. The selected candidate will receive a FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship of R$ 12,000.00 per month, plus a Research Contingency Fund equivalent to 10% of the annual fellowship amount, intended to cover unforeseen costs directly related to the research activity. The fellowship duration is 24 months, with the possibility of extension depending on the candidate’s performance and project outcomes.

A 15-month postdoctoral position in the field of fundamental characterizations for energy storage applications is available in the group of Jr. Prof. Wan-Yu TSAI & Prof. Christophe Lethien at the Lille University (IEMN Lab), France.

About the research: Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are one of the key technologies to expedite the electrification of the economy. Compared with traditional liquid electrolytes, solid-state electrolytes are intrinsically safer and can enable high-energy designs by pairing with high-capacity cathodes and lithium metal anodes. However, understanding and controlling the materials’ mechanical properties during electrochemical cycling are non-trivial and the main challenge for all-solid-state batteries.

About the project: During the SSBs cycling, both cathode and anode experience volume changes at different degree. These electrode strains further lead to loss of contact between electrode/electrode and electrode/electrolyte interfaces, void formation in the battery, stress built up in the materials, crack formation and fatigue, which impact the battery performance greatly. Understanding and managing the evolution of stress and strain in the battery holds the key of enabling SSB technology. The postdoc will focus on investigating mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, hardness, fracture toughness) of oxide-based cathode and solid electrolyte materials via nanoindentation and AFM. The electrode and electrolyte will be prepared with thin film techniques, providing ideal sample surfaces for AFM and nanoindentation characterization and also allowing access to materials’ intrinsic properties without interferences from additives and binders (common components in conventional battery electrodes). A new nanoindenter hosted in the glovebox will be installed in our group in end-2025 and will be used to study these model materials. The candidate will set-up the nanoindenter protocol, prepare the thin film materials via sputter and ALD deposition methods with already developed protocols, evaluate the structural properties of thin film materials with Raman, SEM, and XRD (at Chevreul Institute, close to IEMN) and mechanical properties with nanoindenter and AFM. He or she will then investigate the structure-properties correlation of the selected electrode/electrolyte system by combining electrochemical, mechanical and structural information.

What we offer: The successful candidate will have access to a new sputter/ALD cluster tool to prepare thin film of battery-type materials (electrode & electrolyte). The new nanoindentor is directly connected the cluster (in a glove box). He or she can also access the Micro and Nano Fabrication Center (CMNF) for more complex nanofabrication processing. The candidate will also have access to the Multi-Physics Characterization Platform (PCMP) and Chevreul Institute in Lille University, where he/she can characterize the materials and devices with a wide variety of techniques and experts in those techniques to guide them.

What we are looking for: Motivated young researchers with a PhD degree (at the time of joining) in materials science or electrochemistry-related topics are welcome. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates with a strong preference for hands-on experimental work on lithium-based batteries or solid-state batteries, and materials characterization. A strong curiosity that drives them to ask questions, seek answers, and explore new ideas is essential.

Funding for this position is open to international applicants and the contract will start as soon as possible. Enquiries and informal applications should include a CV, a motivation letter, contact details of two reference contacts and be addressed as soon as possible to Jr. Prof. Wan-Yu TSAI (wan-yu.tsai2@univ-lille.fr).

Ecole Doctorale ED 388 Chimie Physique et Chimie Analytique de Paris Centre

Laboratoire : Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM) – UMR 8232- Sorbonne Université

https://ipcm.fr/en/en-home/

eMOCA group : https://ipcm.fr/en/category/research/emoca-group/

Key Words: electrochemistry – molecular catalysis – operando spectroscopy – reductive activation of O₂

Context: Oxidation chemistry in industrial processes constitutes a multimegaton commodity production valuing tens of billions dollars. The current economic and environmental contexts require to urgently replace the energy-demanding and harmful technologies often used with economically viable and environmentally sound alternatives.[i] Through the reductive activation of O₂, metalloenzymes, such as heme and nonheme Fe oxygenases achieve efficient and selective oxygenations by unravelling O₂ oxidizing power. This is achieved through partial and controlled reduction of O₂ bound at the Fe active site, involving sequential e^– and H⁺ transfers to the Fe-oxygen adduct and formation of various oxidizing intermediates during the catalytic cycle.[ii] We have developed an electrochemical reductive O₂ activation strategy and succeeded in mimicking the oxygenase activity by using Fe and Mn porphyrins to generate and to characterize various M-oxygen oxidizing species[iii] and to tune their reactivity.[iv] This original approach is part of the development of green electrosynthesis in an effort to electrify homogeneous catalysis.[v]

Scheme 1: left: proton assisted Fe-O2 activation with Fe(OOH)intermediate; right: M-O2 activation using CO2 as acid with putative peroxocarbonato intermediate.

Based on our expertise, the present PhD project proposes to generalize this concept to a wider range of substrates both in organic and aqueous media and to focus on the impact of CO₂‘s Lewis acidity (scheme 1). Our objective is to get new and unprecedented knowledge of the electrochemical O₂ reductive activation using Fe and Mn catalysts under mild conditions, focusing on the acidic properties of CO₂ as co-substrate. Our roadmap includes (1) optimizing and maturing efficient electrocatalytic systems for oxidation of a wide range of organic substrates under homogeneous conditions, (2) deciphering the mechanisms of oxidation reactions and providing spectroscopic signatures (UV-Vis, EPR, IR) for intermediates species (M(OO°), M(OO), M(OOH), M(O), peroxocarbonato M(OOC(O)O) involved in the catalytic process (M = Fe, Mn) and finally (3) transferring the reactivity to heterogeneous conditions at liquid/solid interfaces.

Working environment: Understanding how small molecule (CO₂, O₂, N₂) can be activated using metal complexes is at the heart of the scientific efforts developed in the eMOCA group, which internationally recognized in the competitive field of molecular electrochemistry and catalysis. All necessary equipment and expertise are available in the eMOCA team (synthesis, electrochemistry set-up, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, UV-Vis, IR spectroscopies, high performance NMR spectroscopy, etc.).

Candidate profile: Excellent MSc degree in chemistry or physical chemistry. Focus on electrochemistry and/or coordination chemistry and interest in mechanistic understanding is appreciated. Self-motivation and the ability to achieve goals independently as well as to contribute effectively to the group. The candidate should be highly motivated, hardworking, able to work as part of a team. No French level required if good proficiency in English (B1).

To apply, submit the following files:

• a covering letter
• a detailed CV
• academic transcripts (Bachelor + Master 1 and first semester Master 2)
• contact information of at least two references (name + e-mail + phone number)

Contacts: Dr. Elodie Anxolabéhère elodie.anxolabehere@sorbonne-universite.fr

Dr. Claire Fave claire.fave@sorbonne-universite.fr

Funding:  Contract from Sorbonne University – ED388. Starting October 1^st 2025.

Gross salary: ~2200 €/month.

Location: Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), Equipe eMOCA – Couloir 32-42 4ieme étage – Sorbonne Université, Campus Jussieu, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05.

[i] P. Anastas, N. Eghbalia Chem. Soc. Rev., 2010, 39, 301-312.

[ii] M. Duo, T. Corona, K. Ray, W. Nam, ACS Cent. Sci. 2019, 5, 1, 13-28.

[iii] (a) N. Kostopoulos, C. Achaibou, J.-M. Noël, F. Kanoufi, M. Robert, C. Fave, E. Anxolabéhère-Mallart Inorg. Chem. 2020, 59, 11577-11583 ; (b) N. Kostopoulos, PhD Thesis, 2021, Université Paris Cité.

[iv] (a) N. Kostopoulos, F. Banse, C. Fave, E. Anxolabéhère-Mallart Chem. Comm. 2021, 57, 1198-1201 ; (b) I. Tomczyk, L. Berthonnaud, E. Nubret, F. Banse, C. Fave, E. Anxolabéhère-Mallart, in preparation; (c) L. Berthonnaud, S. Groni, E. Nubret, C. Fave, E. Anxolabéhère-Mallart, in preparation.

[v] (a) S. D. Minteer, P. Baran Acc. Chem. Res. 2020, 53, 545-546; (b) J. C. Siu, N. Fu, S. Lin Acc. Chem. Res. 2020, 53, 547-560.

Link for apply: https://app.ncoreplat.com/jobposition/688591/postdoctoral-position-in-hydrogen-fuel-cells-single-cell-and-small-stack-it/istituto-italiano-di-tecnologia

Organization: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) – Center for Sustainable Future Technologies

Commitment & contract: Collaboration Contract (12 months, with renewal option)

Location: Torino, Italy

At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.

THE ROLE

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where materials scientist, physics, chemists, engineers collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The “Advanced materials for sustainable future technologies” Research Unit at Center for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT) is coordinated by prof. Fabrizio Pirri, who has extensive experience in nanotechnology, functional materials, energy transition. The CSFT is located in a Technology Park in Torino (Environment Park) that is working on environmental innovation and sustainability pathways.

The research position for which you are applying will relate to the themes of the Research Line and in particular will be focused on Fuel Cells optimization through the development of functional materials and their testing in single device and stacks.

For this research activity, high-tech laboratories will be available at CSFT for the catalyst synthesis, MEA preparation up to TRL 5-6 scale, single fuel cell test, few stack fuel cells test, materials characterization, operando and correlative operando electrochemical characterizations.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• synthesis of functional material
• preparation and testing of membrane-electrode assemblies
• characterization of the single fuel cells components.
• commercial materials testing at operating conditions in Fuel Cells single device and stacks
• research materials testing at operating conditions in Fuel Cells single device and stacks

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT

• PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, material engineering, physics, nanotechnology, or equivalent degree
• Hands-on experience in Hydrogen Fuel Cells technologies
• Hands-on experience in testing Hydrogen Fuel Cells
• Further experimental skills are an advantage (e.g. catalyst and/or MEA preparation)

ADDITIONAL SKILL

• Good communication skills in English
• Strong problem-solving attitude
• High motivation to learn
• Spirit of innovation and creativity
• Good at time and priority management
• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards
• Private health care coverage (depending on your role and contract)
• Wide range of staff discounts
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, university transcripts, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: 10th May 2025

We would like to announce a Post-Doctoral position in Electrochemistry to start in April/May 2025 under the supervision of Prof. Raphael Nagao at the Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Brazil.

The research topic is related to the electrosynthesis of ammonia by reduction of nitrate ions on nanostructured oxides electrodes.

Our recommendation for the candidates:

1) Hold a PhD in Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
2) We look for candidates with experience in Material Sciences and Electrochemistry.

The vacancy is open to Brazilians and foreigners. The selected candidate will receive a FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship in the amount of R$12,000.00 per month and a Technical Reserve equivalent to 10% of the annual value of the fellowship to cover unforeseen expenses directly related to the research activity.

The fellowship lasts 24 months and follows FAPESP rules  (https://fapesp.br/bolsas/pd). Submit your application up to March 10, 2025.

Application link: https://forms.gle/P6pyhW6XQYBZbq6N7

For more details about the project or any further questions, contact Prof. Raphael Nagao (nagao@unicamp.br)

The Advanced Nano-electrochemistry Institute Of the Netherlands (ANION) is research consortium of six universities and research institutes in the Netherlands, funded by the Gravitation Program of the Dutch Research Council. In this fundamental multidisciplinary program, chemists and physicists lay the foundation for new and more efficient electrochemical technologies by probing and deciphering crucial electrochemical interactions and phenomena at the nanoscale level. The program currently has a number of openings for PhD students who want to work at the forefront of physical electrochemistry. For a detailed overview of the available positions, with corresponding contact details, see: https://anion.nl/vacancies