PostDoc in Neuromorphic Local Sensorimotor Intelligence

ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA; Genova; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health care

Job summary

ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA in Genova invites applications for a PostDoc in Neuromorphic Local Sensorimotor Intelligence. The selected candidate will join the Event-Driven Perception for Robotics Research unit to advance neuromorphic perception, learning, and end-to-end sensorimotor control for embodied robotics within the SHIFT project.

We seek a PhD with a strong publication record and experience in spiking neural networks, spike-driven learning, and Python programming, with demonstrated

Qualifications

• A PhD in computational neuroscience, neuromorphic computing and engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines
• Documented experience in spiking neural networks and/or spike driven learning and/or mixed-mode neuromorphic circuit design
• Strong publication record
• Good command of spoken and written English

Skills

Supervising researchers

English communication

Analytical reasoning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in computational neuroscience/neuromorphic computing/engineering/computer science

Strong publication record

Documented experience in spiking neural networks and/or spike driven learning and/or mixed-mode neuromorphic circuit design

Tools

Python

Job description

PostDoc in Neuromorphic Local Sensorimotor Intelligence

Italy

Commitment & contract: PostDoc, 24 months

Location: Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Genova, Italy

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 the Event-Driven Perception for Robotics Research unit coordinated by Dr. Chiara Bartolozzi (she/her), a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate towards a shared research goal.

Our research focuses on neuromorphic technologies for developing robots to act swiftly, robustly and efficiently in uncontrolled environment in a wide range of conditions and tasks. This includes real-time event-driven vision, neuromorphic touch perception, and developing end-to-end neuromorphic robots (from perception to decision making, to control) that exploit embodiment. We aim at endowing robots with the ability to continuously infer, predict and adapt to the state of the environment and of the robotic platform itself to plan and execute appropriate actions.

Within the European funded project SHIFT we will endow a snake-like robot with neuromorphic tactile and proprioceptive sensors, and develop spiking neural networks to implement local reflexes and support the estimation of the robot state and action planning. The project will develop a perfect tool to study embodied intelligence through the systematic study of the synergies between neural computation, robot morphology, sensing and actuation, and the environment.

We are building a dedicated team with multidisciplinary competences that include neuromorphic sensory encoding, SNN computing and learning for closed-loop sensorimotor systems, and neuromorphic circuit design. The team will leverage the core competences of the EDPR group and closely collaborate with the MESH IIT facility and the projects partners.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in computational neuroscience, neuromorphic computing and engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines
• Documented experience in spiking neural networks and/or spike driven learning and/or mixed-mode neuromorphic circuit design
• Strong publication record
• Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Experience in supervising younger researchers (MSc, PhDs, etc.)
• Knowledge of programming tools (Python)
• 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

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• A yearly gross salary ranging between 35k and 45k
• Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
• 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.

This position is financed by the Horizon Europe SHIFT project (pending Grant Agreement signature) and is part of the Italian Institute of Technology Brain and Machines flagship.

Application’s deadline: 20 Nov. 2026

To discover more about life at IIT, visit the dedicated section here: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit