Italy
Commitment & contract: PostDoc, tempo pieno, 24 months
Location: Pisa CNI@NEST
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 project aims to pioneer the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques into the synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional (2D) materials, with the goal of accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel materials with tailored properties. The research will involve designing and training ML models on experimental and simulated data, implementing data pipelines for spectroscopy and microscopy signals, and applying standard ML concepts such as loss functions, regression/classification tasks, and feature extraction to guide experiments. This innovative effort brings together complementary expertise from:
The 2D Materials Engineering unit, led by Dr. Camilla Coletti, with long-standing experience in the CVD synthesis and investigation of 2D materials;
The group of Prof. Massimiliano Pontil, expert in machine learning and AI for scientific discovery;
The group of Prof. Michele Parrinello, world leader in computational modeling and enhanced sampling methods.
By merging these competencies, the project aims to lay the groundwork for next-generation intelligent synthesis platforms and predictive materials design strategies.
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.
Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:
- To develop AI-assisted strategies for the controlled synthesis of 2D materials via Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD);
- To implement and train machine learning models and data-processing pipelines integrating experimental data (e.g., Raman, AFM, XPS, STM, ARPES) with computational models;
- To collaborate closely with computational scientists and AI experts (Pontil, Parrinello) to establish predictive models for structure-property-growth relationships;
- To contribute to the creation of a data-driven experimental workflow for autonomous or semi-autonomous materials discovery.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Eligible applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science or related fields
- Solid understanding of fundamental machine learning concepts (e.g., training, validation, loss functions, feature selection)
- Excellent English communication skills
- Creativity, initiative, and a passion for interdisciplinary research
- strong publication record
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Experience in the field of 2D materials
- Hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch), and familiarity with data handling tools (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib)
- Background in atomistic simulations, DFT, Molecular Dynamics
- Familiarity with CVD growth techniques and surface science characterization
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- A yearly gross salary ranging between 35k and 40k
- 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 Italian Institute of Technologies intramural fundings within the Teaching Science to Computers flagship project.
Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications), and contact details of 2 references.
Application deadline: December 31st, 2025