Postdoc in Neurobiology – Testa Group

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: February 10th, 2025 Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary research institute in Milan (Italy) created and supported by the Italian government to develop innovative strategies to promote human health. HT adopts a multidisciplinary and integrated approach combining genomics, computational and structural biology, neuroscience, and data and decision sciences. The Human Technopole Foundation is looking for one highly motivated postdoc to work in the group of Prof. Giuseppe Testa, Neurogenomics Research Centre ( Testa Group - Human Technopole ). The successful candidate will develop organoid-based projects to model human neurodiversity and overcome categorical distinctions of neuropsychiatric diagnosis integrating high resolution molecular and clinical phenotyping. We are seeking outstanding candidates passionate about the challenges of understanding human neuropsychiatric conditions in their authentic unfolding, harnessing cutting edge single cell technologies and stem cell-based approaches, including assembloids, xenografts and bioengineered models, to uncover actionable mechanisms and advance them towards translational applications. About the lab : We focus on the dynamics of brain disorders, with a strong emphasis on human experimental models and straddling multiple scales of analysis from single cell resolution to organismal function, working in close integration with national and international deeply phenotyped cohorts that provide unique edges for the study of gene/environment interactions in mental health vulnerability and resilience. Our lab has developed a unique ecosystem characterized by the systematic integration of wet and dry research flows to foster an authentic culture of hybridity that transgresses experimental/computational divides. Our research environment includes transformative facilities encompassing reprogramming, editing and brain organoids automation, state of the art genomics and microscopy infrastructures along with a HT-wide architecture of high performance computing (HPC) attuned to the needs of contemporary computational biology. Key tasks and responsibilities Conducting experiments in the area of stem cell neurobiology, combining cutting-edge methods from molecular biology, genome editing, biochemistry, cell biology and organoids, with a strong emphasis on advanced human cell culture pipelines, single cell and spatial genomics approaches and advanced imaging. Computational analysis to study neurodevelopmental dynamics at the single cell level. Analyse and integrate imaging data with molecular phenotyping of complex brain organoids models. Design, perform and analyse empirical data leveraging genetic and/or pharmacological multiplexed perturbations. Generating reliable data for publication in the projects to which s/he is assigned and record all data and results in specified forms (with Electronic Lab Notebooks). Perform well-documented bioinformatic analysis for internal and external single cell multi-omics datasets. Strongly interact with wet and dry scientists of the lab and support other group members whenever needed. Communicating, explaining and contextualising results to a wide variety of collaborators with varying degrees of know-how. Mandatory requirements: A PhD degree in neurobiology or related areas. Strong organization skills and attention to detail; propensity to structure analytical steps in well-documented and reproducible workflows. Excellent problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills; collaborative attitude and ability to work in teams with colleagues of heterogeneous scientific backgrounds. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently. Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute. Preferential requirements: Track record in the following areas: Advanced disease modelling (preferably with human pluripotent stem cell lines, organoids and primary neural cell cultures, including gene editing). Molecular Biology (DNA and RNA manipulation, cloning, single cell and spatial omics, genome engineering and CRISPR perturbations). Advanced chromatin technologies (Cut&tag/Cut&Run). Histology and microscopy (including tissue processing techniques, clearing, dissociation and tissue processing, stainings, advanced microscopy). Bioengineering (e.g. microfluidics, bio-printing, electrical/optogenetic developmental control circuits). In vivo models (behavioral assays, xenografting). Knowledge of programming languages applied to data analysis: Python (preferable), R, java, javascript, C++, C#, MATLAB. Previous experience in the analysis and interpretation of single cell omics datasets. Previous experience in advanced image analysis. Experience with code versioning systems (e.g., git, SVN) and familiarity with container technologies (e.g., Docker, Singularity, Podman); experience working in a Unix/Linux environment and with bioinformatics workflow systems (i.e., Nextflow, Snakemake, CWL) will be considered a plus. Application Instructions Please apply online by sending: a CV a motivation letter in English, including a 1-page summary of how the candidate plans to tackle the study of human neurodiversity using advanced stem cell models and high resolution technologies. names and contacts of 2 referees For any inquiry about the call, please feel free to contact Prof. Giuseppe Testa, giuseppe.testafht.org (this email address should not be used to send applications). Why Human Technopole HT seeks scientific excellence, we recruit the best scientific talents through international, open calls. Our working environment is international, friendly and inclusive. Our scientists work together across disciplines on research topics of biomedical relevance, leveraging synergies between their diverse skill sets and methodological approaches. We believe that highly diverse teams yield the best and most innovative results. We engage in outward-facing scientific activities aimed at benefiting the national and international research community. Training is also at the heart of our activity, with initiatives and opportunities for our staff, including scientific courses, conferences and workshops. Main benefits Welfare plans. Canteen service. Work-life balance provisions. Italian language training for foreigners. Maternity leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents. Counseling. Possibility of flexible working hours. Support for relocation. Tax benefits where applicable. Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99. The position is based in Milan Number of positions offered: 1 Salary: 40K Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 2 years (renewable) - employee level. The Foundation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend, suspend, modify, revoke, or cancel this job posting without giving rise to any rights or claims whatsoever in favor of the candidates; the Foundation reserves, however, the right not to proceed with the awarding of the above-described assignment due to the effect of supervening regulatory provisions and/or obstructive circumstances. J-18808-Ljbffr

Location: provincia-di-milano, IT

Posted Date: 1/9/2025