Research fellow in brain-on-chip systems for neurodegenerative disease modeling

Research fellow in brain-on-chip systems for neurodegenerative disease modeling

Commitment & contract: collaboration contract, 19 months Fellow position

Location: Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care (CABHC), Naples

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 multicultural and 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 Bio-logic Research unit is coordinated by Prof. Paolo Netti. The research focuses on the development of advanced brain-on-chip systems integrating three-dimensional neural in vitro models and microfluidic technologies to reproduce key features of the human brain microenvironment and investigate neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

• Development and optimization of advanced 3D neural in vitro models, including neurospheroids and brain organoids
• Integration of neural models within microfluidic brain-on-chip platforms
• Development of interconnected neural systems for investigating neuronal communication and synaptic plasticity
• Experimental characterization of brain-on-chip models under physiological and neurodegenerative disease-relevant conditions

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, or related disciplines
• Experience or academic laboratory training in mammalian cell culture and 3D in vitro models
• Knowledge of neural tissue engineering, organoid/neurospheroid culture, or organ-on-chip technologies
• Basic knowledge of microfluidic systems and experimental characterization of biological models
• Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Experience with neuronal or stem-cell-derived cultures is considered a plus
• Familiarity with microfabrication, microfluidic platforms, or biomaterials for advanced in vitro models
• Basic knowledge of electrophysiological characterization techniquesAbility 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 22.000,00 and 30.000,00
• 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 open position is financed by "Gemelli digitali per le malattie del sistema nervoso centrale e la Medicina personalizzata” (acronimo: GEMINI, hub capofila: RAISE S.c.a.r.l., hub congiunto: MNESYS S.c.a.r.l.) per la realizzazione dell’Azione 1.1.2 prevista dal Decreto Direttoriale n. 307 del 18/03/2025 nell’ambito del Programma Nazionale Ricerca, Innovazione e Competitività per la transizione verde e digitale (PN-RIC ) ammessa al finanziamento in data 03/3/2026 (Decreto Direttoriale n. 766 del 03/03/2026 e relativi allegati, cod. MI 622, MI 1_ _ ), codice unico di progetto (CUP): B79H

Application’s deadline: September 29th, 2026

To discover more about life at IIT, visit the dedicated section here: