Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Post-Doctoral position in Photonics

Italy

Commitment & contract: Collaboration contract, 2 years

Location: Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161

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 Nanotechnology for Neuroscience Research Unit is coordinated by prof. Giancarlo Ruocco. The research is centered on creating and refining innovative theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies (e.g. Microscopes, Spectro-microscopes, Cellular models, …) that can be used to explore the workings of the central nervous system. These tools aim to enhance our understanding of brain function and behavior under normal (physiological) circumstances, as well as during disease (pathological conditions).

Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be to implement the development of an optical computing tool using the nonlinear Brillouin effect. The experiment is based on a high-power coherent light beam that is modulated by a spatial light modulator (Digital Micromirror device technology) and scattered by a disordered medium. The resulting linear and nonlinear speckle will then be fragmented into a multiplicity of light modes. The project will be dedicated to the realization of a novel optoelectronic  architecture capable to control in a single microprocessor (FPGA) illumination (DMD control) and sensor signal (photodiode or array of photodiodes)  without the support of a CPU thus avoiding interrupts from operating system and capable thus to reach maximal speed performance (DMD speed 10kHz) together in a dynamical environment (Illumination Dynamically set from the sensor output).

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A PhD in Photonics, physics or optical engineering
  • Documented experience in optics and photonics
  • Documented experience  control and synchronization of optical devices (sensors, lasers optical modulation) and low level programming of microcontrollers and microprocessors (FPGA with  VHDL language)
  • Diverse background that includes and integrate biology with bio-physics and materials science
  • Good publication record
  • Motivation and experience in coaching junior scientists
  • Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • Good team working skills in a interdisciplinary environment
  • An open mind and the attitude toward highly multidisciplinary research
  • The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
  • Good communication skills
  • High motivation to learn new things and go beyond the own comfort zone
  • 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 PACKAGE

  • Competitive salary package for international standards
  • 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.

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, cover letter, and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: 15 July 2025. 

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

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