Applications are invited for a two year Post-doctoral position for the development and characterization of polymeric nanocomposite magnetic membranes, as a part of the European Project titled “Personal Assistive Device for BLIND and visually impaired people” (http://blindpad.eu/).

We are looking for a motivated young scientist with novel and creative ideas, focused and determined. The ideal candidate must have a PhD in one of the following areas: Physics, Material Science or Engineering, and a well established publication record on polymeric nanocomposites development and characterization. Previous experience in magnetic polymeric nanocomposites preparation and magnetic characterization are essential. Expertise in thermo-mechanical properties and/or in microfabrication will be highly appreciated.

The research activities will take place in the Smart Materials Group of the Nanophysics department of Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) that is based in Genoa, Italy. (web-site: http://www.iit.it ). The Fondazione IITwas founded with the objective of promoting the country’s technological development and further education in science and technology. In this sense, IIT’ s scientific program is based in the combination of the basic scientific research with the development of technical applications, a major inspirational principle. The research areas cover scientific topics of high innovative content, which represent the most advanced frontiers of modern technology, with wide application possibilities in various fields ranging from medicine to industry, from computer science to robotics, life sciences, and nanobiotechnology. Smart materials group possesses world class facilities and expertise in the areas of materials processing and development with emphasis to magnetic, conducting, natural nanocomposites, surface science, thermo/mechanical properties, laser spectroscopy, confocal and scanning probe microscopies. Close collaborations exist with industry, University departments, and other research centers in Italy and abroad. The project will be in close collaboration with the other partners of the project including Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department of IIT Genoa (http://rbcs.iit.it ), the Biorobotics Department of the Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies of IIT in Lecce, Italy (http://cbn.iit.it/) and the EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (http://www.epfl.ch). 
In order to comply with the Italian law (art. 23 of Privacy Law of the Italian Legislative Decree n. 196/03), we have to kindly ask the candidate to give his/her consent to allow IIT to process his/her personal data. Manifestation of interest for participation in the selection process should be sent by the 30th of September 2013 to Dr. Despina Fragouli (despina.fragouli@iit.it).
The Italian Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce.