Job offer

Organisation/Company: University Milan-Bicocca

Department: DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZA DEI MATERIALI

Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry, Engineering » Materials engineering, Physics » Chemical physics

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: Italy

Application Deadline: 30 May 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We have openings for one Ph.D. student to join the "Track the Twin" Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network on the use of ultrafast optical spectroscopy techniques to study single failure processes in quantum dots and nanocomposites.

The positions are located at the University of Milan-Bicocca (UNIMIB) in Milan, Italy.

About UNIMIB

Founded in 1998, UNIMIB has rapidly become a central figure in the higher education and research landscape. The University's modernity is reflected in its innovative approach to teaching and its commitment to fostering an inclusive and future-oriented academic environment.

Located in the northern part of the city, in an area specifically designed as an educational and research hub, the University benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and a strategic location. The Bicocca district has been designed to integrate educational institutions, research centers, and industry, creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The Advanced Optical Spectroscopy group at the Department of Materials Science of UNIMIB has extensive expertise in the study of the photophysics of QDs with state-of-the-art ultrafast techniques based on femtosecond amplified lasers and ultrafast detection chains across the UV-Vis-NIR spectrum.

The Advanced Optical Spectroscopy group is looking for a PhD student to join the "track the twin" doctoral network on the use of ultrafast optical spectroscopy techniques to study single failure processes in quantum dots, under the supervision of Prof. Sergio Brovelli.

About the project: Track The Twin Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network (Tracking Nanomaterial Performance, Towards Digital Twins of Quantum Dots Under Loading)

Quantum dots (QDs) exemplify the successful transfer of innovative nanomaterials from a laboratory invention to a technology that provides better and more energy-efficient electronic devices or enables buildings to generate renewable energy. However, in such implementations, QDs are subjected to continuous stress, such as constant illumination, elevated temperature, or exposure to environmental agents.

Track The Twin addresses this problem through a research and training program aimed at the creation and use of QD digital twins (QDDTs). Focusing on the case of QDs under illumination, this goal creates an exceptionally rich environment for research training of graduate students (GCs) in nanomaterials.

To facilitate such collaboration, all doctoral candidates will be trained to use and co-develop a common data platform and will be continuously exposed to the diversity of environments required to jointly implement a QDDT. In addition, the scientific training will be complemented by extensive transferable skills training, thanks to the close collaboration between world-leading academic beneficiaries and start-up companies in nanomaterials and computational chemistry.

Position at the University of Milan Bicocca

• You will actively participate in the preparation of a PhD thesis on the study of loss processes in quantum dots.
• Use a variety of optical spectroscopic techniques in controlled environments to study: carrier dynamics and loss processes in QDs, evaluate carrier loss pathways, and analyze carrier loss processes induced by prolonged illumination and exposure to elevated temperature and atmospheric agents; the effectiveness of structural adjustments to prevent QD aging; the effect of the polymer matrix on QD aging.
• Expected results: Overview of carrier loss pathways in pristine and aged QDs, relating emission efficiency to low power illumination, temperature, and environmental agents.
• Publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Your Profile

• You have a Master's degree with a background in physics, applied physics, chemistry, or materials science.
• You have an excellent academic record.
• Your research skills are in line with the research policy of the university and the company.
• You are committed to quality, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.
• You are enthusiastic and highly interested in QD synthesis, optical spectroscopy, and renewable energy sources.
• You are highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, and cooperative.
• You have an affinity for experimental work and good practical skills.
• Only applications that comply with the MSCA mobility rules will be considered, i.e., researchers can't have been in Italy for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the date of recruitment.

What we offer

• Doctoral fellowship for a period of 3 years.
• The planned start date is December 1, 2025.
• An exciting project in which we will aim to go beyond the state of the art.
• A stimulating, high-tech, and multidisciplinary research environment.
• A laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
• The opportunity to participate in international workshops and conferences.
• A competitive salary commensurate with the complexity of the research.
• Required documents: your academic CV (including previous work, programming skills, publications, …), a list and grades of the courses from that you took during your studies (Bachelor and Master), a summary of your Master’s thesis, contact info of 2 professional referees.

More detailed information on the research topic can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Sergio Brovelli