We are looking for a candidate working on applied electronics and mechatronics to develop a scanning platforms that map dynamic electrostatic potentials on complex materials and living systems. Your instruments will support new research fields like electrostatics in nature, triboelectricity, droplet electrification, energy harvesting, and electroecology.
Postdocs and MSc graduates with relevant hands-on experience are both welcome.
Join the Lab fro Surface Phenomena and Integrated Systems (SPIS) and the ERC Consolidator project EpiC (Epicuticular electrification: spontaneous charging of materials at the world's largest bio-air interface) at the Institute of BioRobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa under supervision of Prof. Dr. Fabian Meder.
THE ROLE
You will develop a new class of autonomous robotic scanning platforms that map dynamic electrostatic potentials on complex materials and living systems. You will build and integrate multimodal sensors (vibrating probes, voltmeters, precision amplifiers) for ultra-low-noise acquisition (picoampere/microvolt level) and advanced mechatronics for precision measurements in controlled and biological environments. Your instruments will open new fields: electrostatics in nature, triboelectricity, droplet electrification, energy harvesting, and electroecology.
This is a strongly hands-on position, focused on applied electronics and mechatronics.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- A scientist or engineer who enjoys building, testing and improving instrumentation
- Experience in applied electronics, precision measurements, mechatronics or sensor integration
- Curiosity about biology and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
- Good English
- Candiates must be within 6 years of their MSc degree, a PhD is ideal but candidates without one are fully evaluated based on relevant experience
ELIGIBILITY
Master's degree obtained in Physics (LM-17), Biomedical Engineering (LM-21), Automation Engineering (LM-25), Telecommunications Engineering (LM-27), Electrical Engineering (LM-28), Electronic Engineering (LM-29) or Mechanical Engineering (LM-33), or an equivalent foreign degree. Italian citizenship is not required.
WE OFFER
24 months, EUR 58,000 total gross. You will work in an ERC-funded, interdisciplinary project at the frontier of its field.
SELECTION
Evaluation of qualifications (PhD, Master's degree and thesis, publications, experience) and a possible interview on 10 November 2026, in Pisa or online. Relevant experience and English are assessed.
HOW TO APPLY
Online by 29 October 2026, 12:00 CET, at the link below. Attach ID, signed and dated CV, Master's thesis (and PhD thesis if any) and up to 3 publications.