Postdoctoral position in Edible Sensors for Edible Robots and Robotic Food - (24000005)

10 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA

Department

Printed and Molecular Electronics

Research Field

Engineering » Electronic engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Italy

Application Deadline

31 Jan 2024 - 09:29 (Europe/Rome)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Other

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

H2020

Reference Number

Grant agreement 964596

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Project: Edible Sensors for Edible Robots and Robotic Food, Project “ROBOFOOD”

Commitment & contract: 1-year collaboration contract

Location: Milan, Italy, Center for Nano Science and Technology of IIT

WHO WE ARE

At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centers around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience. 

YOUR TEAM

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where engineers and material scientists collaborate, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research.

The Printed and Molecular Electronics (PME) Research Line is coordinated by Dr. Mario Caironi, who has extensive experience in printed, flexible and large-area electronics.

One of the main research activities of PME focuses on the study and development of edible sensors for future edible electronic systems.

 

This open position is financed by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program under Grant agreement 964596, CUP J55F20000460006, within the project “ROBOFOOD: The new science and technology of edible robots and robotic food for humans and animals” (https://robofood.org ).  

 

By combining food science and robotic science in a radically new way, the ROBOFOOD project will, for the first time, create robots that can be eaten and foods that behave like robots. Such edible robots could deliver lifesaving nutrition to humans in emergency situation; they could supply vaccines and supplements to endangered animal species; robotic food with edible actuators and electronics, on the other hand, could tell us when it is well preserved and safe to eat; it could protect itself from excessive heat or humidity during storage; it could facilitate swallowing for neurologic patients, and interact with humans and animals in totally new ways, to address dietary goals or influence eating habits. These goals require an interdisciplinary investigation into the principles of robotics and food science, which have very different and contrasting properties. Traditional robots are inorganic systems that perceive the environment and perform actions. Food instead is mostly organic material that can be digested and metabolized to support life. We will use soft robotic principles and advanced food processing methods to establish a common ground, and pave the way towards a new design space for edible robots and robotic food. We will validate it with proof-of-concept technologies for animal preservation, human rescue, and human nutrition. The project is profoundly interdisciplinary, merging two fields that have hardly ever interacted before and pushing them well beyond the state of the art; its ambitious science-based technological breakthroughs have the potential to address environmental and health problems.

 

 WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU SHINE

·A PhD in Materials Science, Electronics Engineering, or closely related disciplines

· Proven laboratory skills on the development of sensors, electronic or electrochemical devices, especially based on solution-processable functional materials

·A strong publication record

·The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data

·Documented experience in coaching junior scientists

·Good command in spoken and written English

 

EXTRA AWESOME

·Competence in electrochemistry

·Experience with sustainable materials

·Knowledge in food science

·Experience in international laboratories

·Good communication skills

·Strong problem solving attitude

·High motivation to learn

·Spirit of innovation and creativity

·Good in time and priority management

·Ability to work in a challenging and international environment

·Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

·Competitive salary package for international standards

·Private health care coverage

·Wide range of staff discounts

·Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

 

 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 mission!

 

If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!

 

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: January 31st , 2024

 

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: [email protected]  ).

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Electronic engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA

Country

Italy

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://iit.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=24000005

Contact

City

MILANO

Website

https://www.iit.it/it/openings

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED