Researcher positions for the development of a new generation of multifunctional neural interfaces - Lecce - ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA

Descrizione

Italy

Commitment & contract: collaboration contract, 42 months

Location: Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies in LECCE, ITALY

Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let's leave something for the future

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. The team is composed by material scientists, nanotechnologists, physicists, neuroscientists, electronic engineers, computational scientists, biotechnologist and biomedical engineers, sharing their expertise to work at the border of these multiple disciplines.

The Multifunctional Neural Interfaces Research Unit is coordinated by Prof. Ferruccio Pisanello, who has extensive experience in the development of new photonic and optoelectrical technologies for interfacing with deep brain regions. You will share with the team the main responsibility of developing a new generation of multifunctional neural endoscope based on a novel type of metasurfaces. The team aspires to generate a novel class of multifunctional neural endoscopes, able to trigger and detect electrical and molecular signaling with cellular resolution in vivo. The result will be the unprecedented ability to correlate multiple types of signals in the same volume, with spatial and temporal resolution at depth. The limitation of the current state of the art will be surmounted by exploiting light-matter interactions in hybrid metal-dielectric metasurfaces and their synergistic integration with organic electrochemical transistors.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in nanotechnologies, physics or related disciplines
• Documented experience in micro and technologies applied to neural interface technologies exploiting optical fibers
• Documented experience on micro and nanofabrication using focused ion and/or electron beam deposition for photonic applications
• Documented experience on two-photon lithography
• A strong publication record
• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
• Good command in spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILL

• Previous experience in plasmonics
• Good communication skills
• Strong problem solving attitude
• High motivation to learn
• Spirit of innovation and creativity
• Good in 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 & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary package for international standards
• Private health care coverage
• Wide range of staff discounts

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications, and why our lab) 3 representative publications and 3 reference letters.

Application's deadline: October 8th, 2025.