Nanomaterials

Researcher Position in the development of oxide and nitride coatings for hydrogen-non-permeable pipe and connection systems

Italy

Project: FIT4H2

Commitment & contract: collaboration contract, 30 months

Location: Center for Convergent Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genova (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, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The Materials Characterization and Electron Microscopy facilities are coordinated by Dr. Mirko Prato and Dr. Rosaria Brescia, respectively. Their research focuses on the advanced characterization of materials, exploiting a wide variety of analysis techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, AFM, nanoindentation, as well as SEM- and TEM-based techniques. Within the framework of the FIT4H2 project (Constructive-technological development and implementation of processes for hydrogen-non-permeable pipe and connection systems), the research activities aim at the development of compact and robust coatings characterized by low hydrogen permeability.

Within the teams, your main responsibilities will be:

  • the optimization of deposition protocols for coatings based on metal oxides and nitrides with low hydrogen permeability, to be exposed to realistic pressure and temperature conditions for hydrogen transport pipes and connection systems. You will have access to a RF/DC Magnetron Sputtering setup for the deposition of thick oxide and nitride films with desired structure, composition, mechanical and chemical resistance, working in the Clean Room facility of the institute.
  • Exploiting the capabilities of the Chemistry Facility of the institute, the optimization of colloidal chemical synthesis routes of oxide nanoparticles, to be deposited on selected substrates by spin coating, doctor blade coating, and subsequently thermally treated to induce necking/sintering and the formation of compact layers
  • in-depth characterization of the deposited layers before and after exposure to realistic operating conditions via Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, AFM, and SEM- and TEM-based techniques. The films will also be characterized via nanoindentation and scratch tests to check their mechanical and adhesion properties on the substrates.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, and similar disciplines
  • Documented experience in the physical/chemical deposition of films and/or inorganic materials characterization via XRD, XPS, AFM, and/or electron microscopy-based techniques
  • Strong publication record
  • Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
  • Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
  • Possess Analytical Reasoning skills and a growth mindset

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

  • A yearly gross salary ranging between 50 k€ and 60 k€, which may include a bonus option depending on your role and contract
  • 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 the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), within the joint Research and Innovation Activity, Project "Constructive-technological development and implementation of processes for hydrogennon-permeable pipe and connection systems [FIT4H2]", CUP J53C24004140001.

Please submit your application using the online form and including

  • a detailed CV,
  • cover letter,
  • 3 references letters,
  • 3 pubblications

Application’s deadline: April 27th, 2025  

To discover more about life at IIT, visit the dedicated section here: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit

Apply now

Fill in the form below and send your application.

By marking the checkbox, you accept our privacy policy
You must accept the treatment of personal data