Job Information
| 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 | [contact details available in the full listing] |
| 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 description (DC10 – CNR-IFN)
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
Where to apply
E-mail: rebeca.martinezvazquez@cnr.it
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
Desirable skills:
- 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
Benefits
- Fully funded PhD position under MSCA Doctoral Network TRILOGY
- Employment at CNR-IFN within a leading European research consortium
- PhD enrolment at Politecnico di Milano
- 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.
Applicants should submit:
- a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- a motivation letter (preferred);
- recommendation letter(s), if available;
- the name and contact details of at least one reference person (e.g. the supervisor of their Master's thesis or another academic/professional referee).
Applications should be sent by email to:
Dr. Rebeca Martinez (rebeca.martinezvazquez@cnr.it)
Dr. Egle Molotokaite (egle.molotokaite@cnr.it)
Additional comments
Should you have any queries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Rebeca Martinez (rebeca.martinezvazquez@cnr.it).
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: CNR
Country: Italy
State/Province: Lombardy
City: Milan
Postal Code: 20133
Street: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32
Contact
City: Milan
Website: https://www.ifn.cnr.it/
Street: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32
Postal Code: 20133
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