Postdoctoral Fellowship in Heterogeneous Biocatalysis for Biodiesel Production – UNESP (Brazil)

European Commission; Brasil; Presencial; BRL 20.000 - 80.000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

A leading research institution in Brazil is offering a postdoctoral position focused on developing sustainable biocatalysts for biodiesel production. The candidate will work on innovative methods in heterogeneous catalysis and contribute to high-impact scientific publications. This role requires a PhD in a related field and some experience in the area.

Serviços

Monthly stipend: R$ 12,000

Technical reserve for research expenses: 10% of annual stipend

Renewable contract based on performance

Qualificações

• PhD obligatoire en chimie ou domaine connexe.
• Expérience prouvée en catalyse hétérogène et analyse chromatographique.
• Compétences en synthèse de matériaux et immobilisation d'enzymes.

Responsabilidades

• Synthesis and characterization of metal-doped zeolite-based biocatalysts.
• Conducting hydroesterification and transesterification reactions.
• Preparing technical reports and contributing to publications.

Conhecimentos

Teamwork

Autonomy

Scientific rigor

Motivation

Formação académica

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Materials Science

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Organisation/Company Sao Paulo State University- Unesp-Campus Sao Jose do Rio Preto Department Physics Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Brazil Application Deadline 30 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (America/Sao_Paulo) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 25 Aug 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

A postdoctoral research position is available at UNESP – São José do Rio Preto, in collaboration with the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), under a project funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). The project focuses on developing heterogeneous biocatalysts based on Thermomyces lanuginosus lipases immobilized on nanometric zeolites doped with transition metals. The goal is to develop sustainable catalytic routes for biodiesel production from microalgae lipids (Monoraphidium sp., Nannochloropsis oculata, Chlamydomonas sp.) cultivated in falling-film photobioreactors, avoiding traditional oil extraction and purification steps.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:

- Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of metal-doped nanometric zeolite-based biocatalysts.
- Enzyme immobilization and hybrid catalyst development.
- Performing hydroesterification and transesterification reactions at bench scale and in fixed-bed or batch reactors (including pilot-scale testing).
- Product analysis using chromatography (GC, HPLC) and spectroscopy (FTIR, UV-Vis).
- Preparation of technical reports and co-authoring high-impact scientific publication

Specific Requirements

Candidate Requirements:

- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Materials Science, or related fields.
- Proven experience in at least one of the following areas: materials synthesis (nanomaterials, zeolites, porous solids), heterogeneous catalysis, enzyme immobilization, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis.
- Desirable: experience with microalgae cultivation, photobioreactors, hydroesterification, and transesterification processes.
- Excellent teamwork skills, autonomy, scientific rigor, and motivation.
- Working language: English (mandatory for international candidates); Portuguese for Brazilian candidates (with English for publications and reporting).

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages PORTUGUESE Level Excellent

Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

- Monthly stipend: R$ 12,000.00 (~USD 2,400)
- Technical reserve: 10% of the annual stipend, for research-related expenses.
- Duration: Initial 12 months, renewable based on performance and project progress.

Selection process

How to Apply:

Send your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Motivation Letter highlighting your expertise and alignment with the project to: [e-mail]

Additional comments

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The position is open to candidates of any nationality. UNESP is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in science.