Project: EU PRIMA OLIWA (OLIve WAste in circular economy solutions for feeds, additives, packaging, and biogas)Commitment & contract: Collaboration Contract (36 months)Location: Genoa, Center for Convergent TechnologiesStep into a world of endless possibilities, together let's leave something for the futureAt 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.YOUR TEAMAs a selected candidate, you will work in the Smart Materials research unit led by Dr. Athanassia Athanassiou.
You will work in a multicultural environment where material scientists, physicists, chemists, biologists, bioengineers, chemical and electronic engineers collaborate, expanding their expertise to carry out common research.
In Smart Materials, we specialize in combining biopolymers, natural polymers, biological molecules, and inorganic micro or nanofillers through green chemistry and low-energy engineering methods, creating novel composite materials and devices with minimal environmental impact.
Our expertise lies in finely controlling the chemistry and structure of our materials to achieve precise properties tailored to various application fields.
Our research is dual-focused, on the development of sustainable composite materials and cutting-edge devices such as sensors, actuators, drug delivery systems, intelligent packaging, green electronic boards, and more.
We have access to cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation, empowering us to drive innovation.
Close collaborations exist with industry, universities, and research centers in Italy and abroad.The postdoc will be responsible for the development of innovative packaging, particularly focusing on processing of olive biomass and bioactive extracts for coextrusion with biodegradable biopolymers, as well as assessing the biodegradability and compostability of the developed materials.
The candidate will also supervise PhD students and collaborate with postdoctoral researchers of the Smart Materials Group and other IIT groups.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESMaterial Processing & Characterization.Biomass Processing (drying, pulverization, functionalization) for use in biopolymer composites.Processed biomass coextrusion with biodegradable polymers via melt extrusion.Biocomposite pellets production and characterization of their thermomechanical properties.Flexible films preparation from the pellets through melt processing techniques.Production of active packaging prototypes.Characterization of the films and the prototypes using industry-relevant techniques (e.g., mechanical/barrier/optical/water absorption properties).Biodegradability & Compostability assessment.Ecotoxicological impacts on soil assessment.Marine biodegradation measurements via biochemical oxygen demand.Report writing and results dissemination.ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTSPhD Degree in one of the following areas: Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.Strong experience in polymer processing, particularly melt extrusion and composite formulation.Excellent record of research publications and/or patents.Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.Strong analytical skills and expertise in data analysis.Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• Competitive salary package for international standards.
• Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract.
• Wide range of staff discounts.WHAT'S IN FOR YOU?
• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms.
Discrimination is a big NO for us
• We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs
• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you
There's a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation
• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.
• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society
• We stick to our values
Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in
They define us and our actions in our everyday life.
They guide us to accomplish IIT missionIf you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and applyPlease submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, university transcripts, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.Please note that this position is contingent on budget approval.We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et.
seq.
of European Regulation no.
679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 - email: ****** ).Apply nowFill in the form below and send your application.I have read and accept the privacy policyI have read and I accept the terms and conditions #J-18808-Ljbffr