Design and Micromachining of Microfluidic Devices for Chiral Sensing Applications - PhD position (MSCA-DN TRILOGY)

CNR; Italia; In loco; EUR 42.966 - 58.199; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Fully funded PhD position

MSCA salary and EU benefits

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Descrizione del lavoro

CNR-IFN seeks a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the MSCA TRILOGY Doctoral Network, focusing on ultrafast science, attosecond physics, and photonics. The program trains 14 doctoral candidates across leading European institutions with interdisciplinary research and structured transferable-skills training.

The selected candidate will enroll in a recognized PhD programme, be supervised by leading researchers, and participate in international secondments.

Competenze

• Strong interest in photonics, microfabrication, microfluidics, or optical sensing technologies.
• Knowledge of optics, laser–matter interaction, materials science, or related disciplines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international and interdisciplinary research team.
• Good written and spoken English.

Mansioni

• Design, fabricate, and characterize lab-on-a-chip devices for chiral sensing.
• Use femtosecond laser micromachining and chemical etching for sub-wavelength photonic structures.
• Develop integrated waveguide–microfluidic platforms.
• Explore photonic architectures and materials for enhanced sensing.

Conoscenze

Photonics

Microfabrication

Optical sensing

International teamwork

English

Formazione

Master's degree in Physics

Descrizione del lavoro

Organisation/Company CNR Department IFN Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 15 Sep 2026 - 18:00 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101226887 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network TRILOGY, an international training programme in ultrafast science, attosecond physics, and photonics.

TRILOGY trains 14 doctoral candidates across leading European universities, research institutes, and industrial partners. The programme provides an interdisciplinary research environment combining advanced experimental research, theoretical collaboration, international secondments, and structured training in transferable skills. The candidate will be enrolled in a recognized PhD programme and supervised by internationally leading researchers.

The TRILOGY network focuses on ultrafast chirality and attosecond electron dynamics, aiming to develop new methods for probing and controlling chiral light–matter interactions with applications in photonics, biosensing, and materials science.

Project title: Design and Micromachining of Microfluidic Devices for Chiral Sensing Applications (WP3)

DC10 aims to develop next-generation lab-on-a-chip platforms for chiral sensing by integrating photonic waveguides and microfluidic devices fabricated through advanced femtosecond laser micromachining techniques. The project combines microfabrication, nanophotonics, and fluidics to create compact devices capable of generating and exploiting synthetic chiral light for highly sensitive molecular detection. The research will contribute to the development of innovative photonic technologies with applications in sensing, diagnostics, and integrated optical systems.

Duties and responsibilities

The selected candidate will:

• Design, fabricate, and characterize next-generation lab-on-a-chip devices for chiral sensing
• Employ advanced femtosecond laser micromachining and chemical etching techniques to create sub-wavelength photonic structures
• Develop integrated waveguide–microfluidic platforms capable of generating and manipulating synthetic chiral light
• Explore novel photonic architectures and materials for enhanced light confinement and sensing performance
• Collaborate with leading European experts in photonics, microfluidics, nanofabrication, and theoretical modelling
• Analyze and interpret experimental results to optimize device performance and functionality
• Participate in international secondments, network-wide training events, and interdisciplinary research activities
• Acquire highly sought-after expertise in microfabrication, photonics, materials science, and optical sensing technologies for careers in academia and high-tech industry

Requirements

Research Field Physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Essential skills:

• Strong interest in photonics, microfabrication, microfluidics, or optical sensing technologies
• Knowledge of optics, laser–matter interaction, materials science, or related disciplines
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international and interdisciplinary research team
• Good written and spoken English
• Experience with laser-based fabrication techniques, photonics, or micro/nanostructures
• Knowledge of microfluidics, optical waveguides, or integrated photonic devices
• Experience with laboratory research and experimental characterization techniques
• Programming, modelling, or computer-aided design (CAD) skills

Specific Requirements

• Compliance with the MSCA Doctoral Network mobility rule
• Must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment
• Willingness to participate in international secondments, network-wide training activities, and collaborative research projects
• Motivation to work at the interface of photonics, microfabrication, and sensing technologies

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

• Fully funded PhD position under MSCA Doctoral Network TRILOGY
• Employment at CNR-IFN within a leading European research consortium
• Access to state-of-the‑art ultrafast laser and spectroscopy facilities
• International secondments at academic and industrial partners
• Structured training in ultrafast science, photonics, and transferable skills
• Competitive MSCA salary and benefits according to EU rules. Gross salary 4531,53 EUR/month. If applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates for the PhD positions must have a Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science or equivalent by the time they commence the project.
• Must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment

Important: As for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility rule, to be hired you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

Selection process

All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, nationality, religion or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply. Candidates will be pre‑selected based on their application and invited for an interview for further assessment.