Post Doc position in Biomedical of Functional Nanomaterials

Position: Post Doc position in Biomedical Applications of Functional Nanomaterials
Organisation/Company Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Research Field Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 14 Mar 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Italy Type of Contract Other Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No
Offer Description
Commitment & contract:
Post Doc 24 months
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 Nanobiointeraction&Nanodiagnostics Research unit is coordinated by Nicola Tirelli.
The research focuses on the biomedical applications of in-house developed hybrid nanomaterials and nanozymes, including colorimetric and optical (nano) diagnostics, and on understanding how nano–bio interfaces govern performance and biological outcomes.
Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:

Developing and characterizing nanozymes (and related functional nanomaterials) for biomedical applications, covering diagnostics and sensing, but also therapeutic and anti-inflammatory strategies.
Engineering and optimizing hybrid nanomaterials, including plasmonic materials and hybrid systems, to enable advanced functionalities (e.g., signal amplification, catalytic enhancement, targeted performance in complex biofluids).
Exploring nanozymes’ mechanisms of action to tune catalytic properties, robustness, selectivity, and response under biologically relevant conditions (pH, ionic strength, proteins, oxidative environment).
Designing and implementing theranostic approaches, integrating sensing + therapy within the same platform where relevant (e.g., catalytic modulation of ROS, inflammation-related pathways, or responsive readouts).
Developing (nano) diagnostic strategies, including colorimetric assays and optical biosensors (e.g., plasmonic/photonic readouts), with potential for portable/point-of-care translation
Planning experiments, analyzing data, and reporting results in a rigorous and reproducible way, contributing to publications, project milestones, and internal knowledge sharing.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

A PhD in nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine, nanochemistry, or related areas.
Proven experience in nanoparticle/nanozyme synthesis and characterization, and in the study of enzyme-mimetic/catalytic activities.
Experience in nanobiointeraction characterizations.
A strong publication record and the ability to drive projects toward high-quality outputs.
Ability to properly organize, curate, and publish research data (including documentation, lab notebooks, and clear reporting).
Good command of spoken and written English.
Strong team-working skills in interdisciplinary settings

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Excellent communication skills (scientific writing, presentations, and cross-discipline collaboration).
Strong problem-solving attitude, with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting and method development.
Documented experience in coaching/mentoring junior scientists (students,…