Italy
Commitment & contract: post doc 24 months
Location: Pisa
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'd be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where physicists, chemists, surface scientists, electrical and biomedical engineers collaborate, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research in tight collaboration with industrial partners.
The "2D Materials Engineering" Research unit is coordinated by Dr. Camilla Coletti, Principal Investigator who has extensive experience in the field of 2D materials spanning from their synthesis via chemical vapor deposition to their investigation with surface science tools.
The mission of 2D Materials Engineering is to synthesize, investigate, and tailor two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures with the goal of enabling next generation photonic, electronic, biomedical and quantum devices. To this end, we cover the whole path: from the design of novel materials, displaying unprecedent electronic, optical, and magnetic properties, to their implementation in real-world applications and industrial production lines.
Quondensate project aims to achieve the first proof-of-concept of Quantum Reservoir Computing (QRC) scheme based on networks of Quantum Materials (QMs) defects which will enable the fabrication of prototypical computing devices. The project is feasible yet groundbreaking because it capitalizes upon the very different expertise, both experimental and theoretical, comprised within the partners' consortium, all of which are required to implement a novel QRC scheme. As such, this project will result in unprecedented characteristics that extend the conventional boundaries of ICT electronic devices and systems and pave the way for the development of novel Quantum Technologies.
Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:
* To synthesize the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) tungsten disulfide (WS2) via metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)
* To develop approaches to generate defects in WS2
* To investigate the structural, electronic and chemical properties of defected WS2 via multiple experimental techniques (examples are – but not limited to – scanning tunneling microscopy, angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, photoluminescence)
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
* Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields
* Previous experience in 2D materials (synthesis, processing, and characterization) will be highly valued
* Excellent English communication skills, creativity and marked enthusiasm for research are mandatory
* Strong publication record
* The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
* Experience in the field of quantum technology
* Good communication skills
* Strong problem-solving attitude
* High motivation to learn
* Spirit of innovation and creativity
* Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
* A yearly gross salary ranging between 32K€ and 36K€, commensurate to experience
* Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
* Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.
This open position is financed by European Union Horizon Europe research and innovation program within the Quondensate project (grant agreement No CUP J53C
Please submit your application using the online form and including detailed CV, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.
Application's deadline: December 31st, 2025