Openings at IIT@NEST

Post-doc Surface Acoustic Waves (Job Ref. CNI.SAW)

The Center for Nanotechnology Innovation, IIT@NEST in Pisa (Italy) is inviting applications for a postdoctoral fellow to work in the area of Surface Acoustic Waves for high-sensitivity, high-throughput bioassays.

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated scientist to develop a novel binding assay for biological molecules based on Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) technology.

Ideal candidates should have a PhD in Physics, Engineering or closely related area, and proven experience in design, fabrication and testing of devices based on surface acoustic waves. A good knowledge of clean-room and microfabrication procedures (UV and e-beam lithography, metal evaporation, dry and wet semiconductor etching) is essential.

Working knowledge of multiphysics simulation frameworks, such as Comsol, and familiarity with RF characterisation of interdigitated transducers for SAW generation/detection would be a plus. Experience with biochemical functionalization of inorganic substrates would be highly desirable.

We value scientists with a proactive attitude and results-oriented mindset, good interpersonal and communications skills and ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.

The employment will be for two years, renewable. An internationally competitive salary, dependent on experience, will be offered.

Post-doc Multi-scale modeling and design of Aptamers (Job Ref. CNI.APT)

The Center for Nanotechnology Innovation, IIT@NEST in Pisa (Italy) is inviting applications for a postdoctoral fellow in the area of "Multi-scale modeling and design of Aptamers".

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated scientist to carry out a research project on molecular modeling of oligonucleic acid molecules (aptamers) by means of multi-scale simulations. This approach will be applied to optimize kinetics and binding properties of aptamers, and to study the effects of non-natural substitutions. In silico simulations will be performed in close collaboration with experimentalists, in a joint effort to develop novel aptamers as therapeutics and targeting agents.

Ideal candidates should have a PhD in Physics, Chemistry or Biology with a strong background in molecular modeling and simulations. Good programming skills and proven experience with force-field and multi-scale simulations of bio-molecules are required. Basic knowledge of Quantum Chemistry and Density Functional methods would be a plus.

We value scientists who can interact effectively with an interdisciplinary team, have a high level of independence and take accountability for their project.

The employment will be for two years, renewable. An internationally competitive salary, dependent on experience, will be offered.