**Postdoctoral Position in Recycling Approaches for Natural Biopolymer and Their Impact on Human Health**
- (2500000S)
- Commitment & contract: collaboration contract, 1 year renewable_
- Location: IIT, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genova_ **_ 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 chemists, biotechnologists and biologists, physicists and computational scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal. The advertisement is for a Post-doctoral position to develop a project that embraces different research areas spanning from material science to human health. The global demand for novel biodegradable polymers in industry is expected to reach impressive numbers in the coming years and, in parallel with it,



sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies will be required. The project tackles some aspects of sustainability aiming at the study of biodegradability of bio composites in different human-related environments (e.g. ingestion or inhalation). Hybrid bio composites (for example exploiting synthetic nanozymes) can be investigated in respect to their ability of degradation or recycling natural or synthetic biopolymers. The biotransformation of biopolymers in human-related environments is another focus. The project is part of a larger project in collaboration with the Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL) of Italy and embraces different research areas spanning from material science, occupational exposure monitoring of new materials and derivatives and hazard identification. The main responsibilities will be: - Development of novel biodegradable bio composites taking inspiration from natural enzymes or others approaches;
- Biodegradation studies in human artificial body fluids and their toxicological impact;
- Assessment of bio composites on human in vitro models (e.g. co-cultures, 3D-organoids);
- Take responsibility for major deliverables and milestones associated with the projects;
- Disseminate the outcomes of this research including peer-reviewed academic publications of international standing. **ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS**
- A PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or equivalent;




- Knowledge of polymerization and depolymerization processes of biodegradable composites, physical chemical characterization of nano-, micro-, and natural composites;
- Experience in characterization of physical chemical properties of bio composites;
- Good handling of cell cultures;
- Proven track record of post-doctoral research experience in relevant technical areas and projects (Chemical or biochemical transformation of bio composites);
- Strong publication record in the indicated areas;
- Ability to properly report, organize and publish research data;
- Good command of spoken and written English;
- International research experience is desirable. **ADDITIONAL SKILLS**
- Experience in characterization of physical chemical properties of nanomaterials;
- Knowledge of molecular biology techniques (2D- or 3D- cell cultures and similar disciplines);
- Proven track record of post-doctoral research experience in relevant technical areas and projects (recycling of biodegradable composites);
- Good communication skills;
- Strong problem-solving attitude;
- High motivation to learn;
- Spirit of innovation and creativity;
- Good at time and priority management;
- Ability to work in a challenging and international environment;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment. **COMPENSATION PACKAGE**
- Competitive salary package for international standards;
- Private health care coverage;
- Wide range of staff discounts; This open position is financed by IIT (external budget - EPTR0018 Nanokey Sens - CUP J53C24000550005)
- Application’s deadline: March 10_th_ 2025 _ **Primary Location** GENOVA **Job** Postdoc **Organization** Translational Pharmacology **Job Posti

📌 Postdoctoral Position in Recycling Approaches for Natural Biopolymer and Their Impact On Human Health (Genova)
🏢 Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia
📍 Genova