Dottorando Industrial PHD
Pubblicato il 23-09-2026 - Elements in Cesena
Company Description
Elements srl is a company based in Cesena, Italy, that provides high quality electronics and custom microelectronics for pico and nanoscale current measurements. Elements operates in the electrophysiology field by providing single and multichannel amplifiers for current measurement of ion channels in lipid membranes and in biological and solid state nanopore applications. Elements is seeking to recruit a talented and enthusiastic young scientist who is highly motivated to boost its research career in the areas of low noise nanopore measurements using high end instrumentation.
Motivation The successful candidate will be part of an emerging project carried out at Elements under the supervision of Dr. Federico Thei and Dr. Cristina Visani with the funding of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2025 project called MORPHEOS.
MORPHEOS is designed as an innovative and pioneering training network, with the unique vision of developing the next-generation hybrid nanopore technology for neuromorphic computing by:
- Bringing together a unique team of 10 world-leading academic groups at the forefront of nanoscience with 2 high tech companies, to translate the innovations into real-world applications;
- Training 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) on a unique mix of experimental and computational skills at the physics/chemistry/biotechnology interface;
- Enabling technological advances through the combination of advanced nanofabrication, nanofluidics and ion channels nanotechnology. This will lead to the development of nanopore technologies with unprecedented functionality crucial in all emerging machine learning and artificial intelligence applications;
- Reaching technologically exploitable way to realize the first neuromorphic fluidic circuit that will truly open the era of iontronics. To achieve this high-risk/high-gain long-term goal, MORPHEOS will develop a breakthrough science-enabled technology: artificial ion channels (AIC), the next-generation of robust, hybrid ion channel nanodevices characterized by memristive behavior, single-ion selectivity, and molecular modulation, in a way that has not been possible before. This will pave the way to fascinating new discoveries into the fundamental structures of biomolecules and the interaction forces among them.
Research /
Elements technology is based on the microelectronic design of custom microchips (ASICs) using standard and low-cost CMOS processes. Microchips are specifically designed by Elements microelectronics engineers’ team.
The developed technology allows the company to produce miniaturized devices that can acquire and analyse very low ion currents and can be applied in the nanopore field for high bandwidth and multichannel sensing.
For our next project within the MORPHEOS consortium, we will focus on the interface optimization of nanopore array with multichannel and high bandwidth instrumentation, working on the crosstalk mitigation and electrodes integration into microfluidic devices.
Objectives The aim of the project is to develop a multichannel measurements platform for low noise and low current acquisition, by scaling and adapting Elements multichannels amplifiers, and provide it to the other DC users within the network, together with support in low noise measurements best practice. The DC project will also handle all the related aspects on how to efficiently interconnect nanopore arrays with electronics, how to embed electrodes in the nanopore array, and elaborating strategies to mitigate the effects of crosstalk in multichannel readout. The researched will be trained on low noise recordings principle, multichannel amplifiers usage, biological and solid state nanopore experimental techniques, problems on nanopore array measurements, characterization and techniques for electrodes implementation.
Expected Results
Multichannel amplifier equipment optimized for nanopore array measurements. Guidelines for nanopore array fluidic and electrodes connection with amplifiers. Support on nanopore measurements for DCs within the consortium.
Planned secondments To become familiar with nanopore arrays, the DC will visit for 2 months the University of Cambridge the second year. To assist nanopore measurement, the DC will visit the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, EPFL and CNRS during Year 3 for a total period of 6 months. The allocated secondments can be different according to the project development.
Opportunities for DCs when joining MORPHEOS
- Participate in a highly committed network of academic and industrial leaders in the field of nanopore technology and advanced nanostructures design and fabrication.
- Participate in a worldwide unique training program, comprising individual research projects, interactive and hands-on courses, workshops and secondments covering the entire route to application of material sciences.
- In-depth knowledge on low noise, high bandwidth and multichannel electrical measurements.
- Training in intellectual property, business models, and regulatory approval pathways.
- Personalized training with room for development of personal and transferable skills (leadership, analytical, communication, interpersonal, free thinker mindset, creativity).
- Initiate network-wide events, such as workshops and symposia.
Required qualifications – Eligibility To apply for a PhD fellowship, candidates must hold an internationally-recognized Master-equivalent degree in Biochemistry. Experience in nanopore measurements and microfluidic assembly will be highly appreciated. No restrictions of citizenship apply to the PhD fellowship.
Terms of employment – PhD fellowship The position is intended as full-time (40 hrs / week, 12 months / year) appointment under elements contract. The fellowship is offered for a period up to three years. The place of work is Elements headquarter in Cesena, Viale Europa 596, Italy. The selected PhD student will work under close supervision of Dr.
Federico
Thei and Dr.
Cristina
Visani and agevolazioni from direct mentorship. He/She will also benefit from several symposia and courses specially developed for them within the MORPHEOS network. A PhD degree from the University of Modena – Reggio Emilia will be granted after successful completion of the PhD research. The employment is to start as soon as possible, but not before January 1st 2027.
Application procedure
Suitable candidates are requested to submit:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Presentation letter with declaration of interests and a description of your past achievements (max. 1 page)
- Contact email of two potential references
- Scanned copy of your university academic transcripts in English
- Scanned copy of the Master degree, if available at the time of application
- Scanned copy of standardized English test results (TOEFL, TOEIC,…) if available
Applications should be submitted by email to (email hidden)
Selection is based on merit and potential, measured in terms of the academic record and personal achievements. Proactivity, participation in community activities, and capacity for team-work are also taken into account.
The call will remain open until the position is filled.
Web Link www.elements-ic.com