진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Field of knowledge: Chemistry / Biochemistry / Cell Biology / Photobiology

FAPESP process: 2024/15255-9

Project title: Betalains: triplet-species-quenching antioxidants?

Working area: Development of bioinspired antioxidants based on betalain molecular scaffolds; reactivity toward reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and electronically excited (triplet) states; photobiological evaluation in cell models.

Positions: 1

Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 48 months, subject to FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship regulations and satisfactory performance.

Probationary period: The fellowship will include an initial three-month probationary period, during which continuation will be evaluated based on performance, adherence to the proposed research plan, and compliance with FAPESP regulations.

Principal investigator: Erick Leite Bastos http://lattes.cnpq.br/1765001992629979https://www.bastoslab.org

Institution: Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (IQ-USP) https://www.iq.usp.br/portaliqusp/?q=en

Application period: July 8, 2026

Deadline for submissions: July 24, 2026

Locale: São Paulo – SP, Brazil

E-mail for proposal submission:[email protected]

Summary

This call refers to a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil), focused on the development of biocompatible antioxidants that act as quenchers of electronically excited triplet species and as chain-breaking radical scavengers, in order to mitigate the deleterious effects arising from the combined action of radicals and triplet excited species in cells. The project uses betalain molecular scaffolds to design multifunctional antioxidants. The work combines synthesis and purification, physicochemical and photophysical characterization, reactivity assays with biologically relevant oxidants, quenching of triplet excited acetone, and photobiological evaluation in cell models (HaCaT keratinocytes and ARPE-19 retinal epithelial cells).

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a PhD degree obtained within the last 7 (seven) years prior to the start of the fellowship, from a recognized higher education or research institution in Brazil or abroad, with relevant academic production in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields.

For detailed information on eligibility requirements, rights, duties, and commitments of postdoctoral fellows, candidates are strongly encouraged to consult the FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship guidelines, available at: https://fapesp.br/bolsas/pdhttps://mentoriapd.fapesp.br/bolsista

The fellowship is initially awarded for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for additional periods, up to a maximum total duration of 48 months, in accordance with FAPESP regulations.

Requirements

In addition to the general eligibility criteria, applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• • PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related areas;
• • Solid background in cell culture and cell biology, including work with epithelial cell lines (e.g., HaCaT keratinocytes and/or ARPE-19 retinal epithelial cells);
• • Hands-on experience with oxidative stress and photobiology, including cell viability assays (MTT) and genotoxicity assessment (comet assay);
• • Experience with core molecular/cell biology techniques such as immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and confocal microscopy;
• • Familiarity with reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and/or electronically excited states, or willingness to develop this expertise;
• • Broad scientific curiosity combined with a focused and independent research profile;
• • Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• • Proficiency in written and spoken English;
• • Full-time and exclusive dedication to the research project;
• • Ability to present scientific results clearly, both orally and in writing;
• • Availability to work on-site at the Institute of Chemistry (USP), São Paulo.

Experience with natural pigments/antioxidants, organic synthesis or purification of natural products, EPR or UV–Vis/fluorescence spectroscopy, mitochondrial function assays (e.g., Seahorse), and photoprotection studies will be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Applications

Applications will be accepted from [preencher] to [preencher].

Interested candidates should apply by sending an email to [email protected], with the subject line: "Postdoctoral Fellowship – Betalains"

The following documents must be submitted in English, as a single PDF file:

1. 1. Short CV (maximum 4 pages; English or Portuguese accepted; FAPESP format available at https://fapesp.br/6351/instructions-for-the-elaboration-of-a-curricular-summary);
2. 2. Motivation letter (1–2 pages), describing research interests, alignment with the fellowship theme, and relevant prior experience;
3. 3. Up to two representative publications (published, accepted, or submitted);
4. 4. One letter of recommendation.