Postdoctoral Fellowship – Laser Induced Graphene Gas Sensors Materials Full-time NEW

FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship in Graphene and Oxide Semiconductors Applied to Gas Sensors Using the Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) Method

São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo

Field: Physics / Materials Science / Semiconductors/Graphene/Gas Sensors

Project Summary:

Title: Toxic Gas Sensors Based on Graphene and Transition Metal Oxides Obtained Through Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) Technique

This postdoctoral project focuses on developing and optimizing gas sensors based on Laser-Induced Graphene materials forming a composite with Metal Oxide Semiconductor materials. LIG embedded with metal oxide nanoparticles represents an innovative approach, offering unique properties and multifunctionality for environmental applications, including gas-sensing materials. Ultraviolet (UV)-LIG technology offers a scalable and oxygen-rich, defect-laden surface ideal for fabricating graphene-based hybrid composites; UV-LIG enables the integration of single, binary, and ternary nanoparticles, tailoring properties for enhanced environmental applications.

Main Activities:

• Synthesis of graphene using the LIG technique and the best conditions to form a composite with metal oxide materials
• Study the effect of time, velocity, and laser wavelength on the formation of LIG composite.
• Characterize the obtained material by techniques like XRD, Raman Spectroscopy, XPS/UPS, SEM,
• Evaluate the gas-sensing properties using electrical and other properties.
• Establish structure-property-performance correlations and propose strategies to improve the materials’ properties.

Requirements:

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in: Graphene materials synthesis; metal oxide or other materials for gas sensors applications, advanced characterization techniques: XPS, Raman, XRD, SEM.
• Analysis of electrical measurements, such as resistance.
• Proficiency in English (scientific reading and writing).
• Ability to work in a team and correlate multidisciplinary data.

Duration and Location:

The project will last up to 2 years, with activities primarily carried out at the São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo (São Carlos, Brazil). The fellow will also benefit from the infrastructure and collaborations with the “Chemical Micro-sensors and Sensor-Systems” Research Group at the University of Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Supervisor:

Prof. Dr. Valmor R Mastelaro

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send the following documents to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]

• Motivation letter highlighting previous experience relevant to the project (maximum 2 pages);
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including links to the Lattes CV (for Brazilian researchers) and other academic profiles;

IMPORTANT NOTE: FAPESP RULES

The candidate for the FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship must have completed their PhD less than 7 (seven) years ago, except under the conditions stipulated in Ordinance PR No. 171/2024, and have an excellent Academic Record and an excellent Postgraduate Academic Record.

Selection process

Candidates who meet the main project requirements, including experience with the LIG technique, will be invited to attend an online interview in April 2026.

Salary:

• Fellowship funded by FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation)
• Monthly stipend of approximately USD 2,300 and an additional Technical Reserve equivalent to 10% of the annual fellowship amount, intended to cover unforeseen expenses directly related to the work plan.
• Additional research and mobility support in accordance with FAPESP rules.

Tagged as: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics