Senior Technician in Advanced Electron Microscopy

Commitment & contract: employee contract 2 years duration

Location: Genova, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30

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.

You will be working in a multi‑disciplinary group, where people with different backgrounds collaborate, each with their own expertise, to support IIT research activity.

The Electron Spectroscopy and Nanoscopy Research unit is coordinated by Giorgio Divitini, who has extensive experience in Electron Microscopy technique development and applications.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of the TF Spectra 300 S/TEM
• Training of users for the Spectra TEM
• Support for measurements on the Spectra TEM on projects external to the research line (including external to IIT)
• Within such activities, carrying out advanced electron microscopy analysis using techniques such as high resolution imaging, compositional mapping and EELS, as well as other techniques available on the instrument. This might also include access to instruments in other IIT centres or outside of IIT.
• Development of techniques for EM and associated methods (4DSTEM, low‑dose imaging)
• Regular update of scientific skills through attendance to conferences and workshops to be able to play an active role in the scientific output of the research line, both for publications and fund‑raising
• Organising and participating as speaker in workshops and schools related to EM, both internal and external to IIT
• Managing waste from routine operation in the Spectra lab
• Managing health and safety in the Spectra Lab, together with the PI
• Managing basic maintenance and routine operation of the Spectra TEM (liquid nitrogen supply, chillers, as well as the associated prep lab) and advanced maintenance liaising with TF field service engineers.
• Contributing to selection and management of staff and equipment for the research line.

• MSc degree in Physics, Materials Science or similar disciplines
• Documented first‑hand experience in advanced TEM applications
• A strong publication record
• The ability to properly report, organise and publish research data
• Good knowledge of the English language
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong focus on stakeholder needs and expectations

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science or similar disciplines
• Experience on advanced electron microscopy, including techniques such advanced electron diffraction, mono‑EELS, automated / programmable EM data acquisition
• Knowledge of software for EM data analysis, particularly open source toolkits such as Hyperspy, py4DSTEM etc.
• Good communication skills
• Strong problem‑solving attitude
• Good in time and priority management
• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Possess analytical reasoning skills and a growth mindset

• A yearly gross salary ranging between 38.000 and 45.000 euro, which may include a bonus option depending on your role and contract
• Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
• Up to two days of teleworking per week and flexible working hours are available for certain roles
• Candidate holding a MSc or PhD degree who has not been resident in Italy in the last 3 years and moves back to Italy to start any work activity, and meets specific requirements, can benefit from a 50% deduction on their income.