Summary
The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Electron Spectroscopy and Nanoscopy Research Unit, led by Giorgio Divitini. The selected candidate will advance and apply the state-of-the-art in electron microscopy for materials, leveraging advanced instrumentation—notably a newly installed ThermoFisher Spectra 300 S/TEM equipped with an “ultimono” monochromator (< 30 meV resolution), aberration correctors, and a Continuum+K3 camera system. The project bridges cutting-edge data acquisition routines and data-driven computational processing, including machine learning/vision workflows.
Key Information Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Position / Designation | Post-doctoral Researcher (Post-doc) |
| Vacancy Code / ID | 806163 |
| Institution | Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) |
| Research Unit | Electron Spectroscopy and Nanoscopy (Coordinator: Giorgio Divitini) |
| Research Area | Advanced Analytical Electron Microscopy / Materials Science / Nanotechnology |
| Location | Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Liguria, Italy |
| Contract Type | Fixed-term contract (typically 2 years) |
| Tax Incentives | Expatriate/brain-gain tax relief schemes (up to 70%–90% income tax exemption) may apply for eligible international researchers |
| Application Deadline | September 13, 2026 |
Research Area
- Discipline: Advanced S/TEM Methodology, Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), Low-Dose Imaging, and Machine Learning in Microscopy.
- Focus: Nanoscale and atomic-level characterization of functional materials, 2D materials, beam-sensitive structures, and optoelectronic semiconductors (e.g., hybrid perovskites, nanocrystals).
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: A Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific/engineering field.
- Technical Experience: Documented, hands-on experience in developing and applying transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) techniques.
- Research Output: A strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed international scientific journals.
- Data & Analytical Skills: Proven ability to organize, analyze, and communicate complex experimental datasets; experience in developing data processing software/scripts (e.g., Python, machine vision, machine learning) is highly advantageous.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Advanced Instrument Operation: Operate state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopes, including an aberration-corrected ThermoFisher Spectra 300 S/TEM equipped with high-energy-resolution monochromators and direct detection cameras.
- Technique Development:
- Design advanced scanning routines and acquisition workflows for STEM.
- Optimize low-dose, high-resolution imaging protocols for beam-sensitive systems (including 2D materials).
- Carry out in-depth analytical spectroscopy (EELS/EDX) on optoelectronic and semiconductor nanomaterials.
- Data-Driven Analysis: Develop software routines, machine learning models, and computer vision tools for analyzing large multidimensional datasets.
- Collaboration & Dissemination: Work closely in an interdisciplinary, multicultural research team, prepare high-impact scientific publications, and present research findings at international conferences.
How to Apply
- Visit the official application page at IIT Openings / Ncore Platform.
- Complete the online candidate submission form.
- Upload the required application documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including full publication list.
- Cover Letter detailing research interests, background, and alignment with the project.
- Reference Letters (2 letters of recommendation from academic/professional referees).
Last Date for Apply
- September 13, 2026
