Commitment & contract: Initial 2-year term, renewable for an additional 2 years based on merit
Location: 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 successful candidate will work primarily in the Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine research unit under the supervision of Prof. Paolo Decuzzi. https://npmed.iit.it/
This position offers the candidate a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of different disciplines, including bioengineering, polymer science, nanotechnology, drug delivery, and translational medicine. The fellow will be involved in the design, fabrication, physicochemical characterization, and in-vitro validation of biodegradable and/or biocompatible polymer-based drug delivery devices capable of programmed shape transformation in response to external or physiological stimuli. These systems will be developed for minimally invasive implantation, localized therapeutic delivery, and controlled release of small molecules, biologics, or combination therapies.
The candidate will contribute to the optimization of device architecture, shape-memory behavior, mechanical properties, degradation profiles, drug loading efficiency, and release kinetics. The fellow will also work within a larger international network of research hospitals and clinical collaborators across Europe and the USA to finely design and engineer drug delivery systems that address specific clinical needs, anatomical constraints, and therapeutic requirements.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related disciplines (completed by the start date);
- Experience in the fabrication and characterization of drug delivery systems;
- Experience in shape-memory polymers, stimuli-responsive materials, or smart biomaterials;
- Experience with physicochemical and mechanical characterization techniques (thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical testing, microscopy, spectroscopy, or degradation studies);
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- Ability to properly organize, present, and report research data in fluent English.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Familiarity with microfabrication, 3D printing, electrospinning, molding, or other device fabrication techniques;
- Familiarity with mammalian cell culture and relevant in-vitro disease models;
- Experience working in multidisciplinary or international collaborative research networks;
- Strong motivation to learn new techniques and methodologies;
- Ability to work independently in a diverse and collaborative environment.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- 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, university transcripts, cover letter, and 2 reference letters.
Application’s deadline: June 15th, 2026
