Postdoc - Development of Flexible X-ray Imagers for AgriTech Applications

Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Milano; Hybrid; AUD 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health care coverage

Job summary

Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Milano invites applications for a Postdoc position on the development of a printed, lightweight, flexible X-ray imager for AgriTech applications. You will join a multidisciplinary team to advance prototype concepts and perform foundational experiments.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Physics or related field and has hands-on experience with X-ray detectors, imaging quality metrics, and Python-based data analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electronic engineering, Material Science or similar disciplines
• Experience in characterizing X-ray detectors and imaging quality metrics for digital systems
• Knowledge of X-ray image formation principles and pitfalls (energy dependence, scattering, contrast/noise, vignetting, aliasing, DQE losses)
• Experience in characterization of photodetectors/photoconductors (IV response, MIS junctions, EQE, X-ray sensitivity)
• Experience in analysis of large datasets with Python or similar programming language
• Good command of spoken and written English

Responsibilities

• Develop a first X-ray imager prototype based on an array of printed perovskites detectors and a commercial TFT backplane
• Encapsulate the X-ray imager with a compatible process and conduct stability tests in harsh conditions (high humidity, high X-ray exposure, high temperature)
• Fully characterize the imager

Skills

X-ray detectors characterization

Imaging quality metrics

X-ray image formation principles

Photodetectors/photoconductors

Python data analysis

English language proficiency

Education

PhD in Physics/Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

Python

Job description

Postdoc - Development of Flexible X-ray Imagers for AgriTech Applications

Italy

Commitment & contract: collaborator, 12 months

Location: Milano, via Rubattino 81, 20134

Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!

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.

THE ROLE

You will be working in a multi-disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The Advanced Materials for Optoelectronic and the Printed and Molecular Electronic Research Units, coordinated by Annamaria Petrozza and Mario Caironi, respectively, are collaborating for the development of a prototype of a printed, lightweight, flexible X-ray imager for AgriTech applications.

Within the research team, your main activity will be:

• Develop a first X-ray imager prototype based on an array of printed perovskites detectors and a commercial TFT backplane.
• Encapsulate the X-ray imager with a compatible process and conduct stability tests in harsh conditions, including high humidity, high X-ray exposure, and high temperature.
• Fully characterize the imager

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in Physics, Electronic engineering, Material Science and similar disciplines
• Documented experience in the characterization of X-ray detectors and and deep knowledge in X-ray imaging quality metrics for digital systems ;
• Knowledge on X-ray images formation principle and pitfalls (energy dependence, scattering, contrast/noise ratio, vignetting, aliasing, DQE losses)
• Experience in the characterization of photodetectors and/or photoconductors (Current-Voltage response, Metal-Semiconductor junctions, EQE, X-ray sensitivity);
• Experience in analysis of large datasets with Python/similar programming language;
• Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Knowledge of electronic instrumentation, low-current measurements of high-impedance devices and analog to digital conversion;
• Knowledge of the origins and mitigation strategies of electronic noise in digital imaging systems;
• Familiarity with photolithography and solution deposition techniques (blade coating, inkjet printing)
• 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
• Knowledge of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) principles and pitfalls.
• Interest for Technology Transfer Activities

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• A yearly gross salary ranging between 40.000/45.000 Euros
• Private health care coverage
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

Application’s deadline: 27th of November 2026