**Postdoc Position in Advanced Microscopy for RNA Biology**
- (2300005W)
- Commitment & contract: collaboration contract, _Ph.D. Postdoc Fellow,_ duration 2 years_
- Location: Great Campus, Via E. Melen 83 Bldg. B, 16152, Genoa, Italy_
**WHO WE ARE**
At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centers around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience.
**YOUR TEAM**
You will be working within a multicultural and multidisciplinary group, collaborating with Physicists, Engineers, Computer Scientists, and Biologists, each contributing their expertise to conduct joint research.
The Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy (MMS) Research line is coordinated by Dr. Giuseppe Vicidomini, who has extensive experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques, and image processing.
The core research of the MMS research line to design and develop cutting-edge microscopy and analytical tools. These tools empower biologists to explore living systems with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolutions and ranges while minimizing invasiveness and enhancing information content. To achieve this goal, our projects seamlessly integrate novel (quantum) photonics technologies, labeling protocols, optical architectures, spectroscopy techniques, and machine learning approaches. While technology development remains our primary focus, we also collaborate closely with biologists to test and refine our tools, ensuring they enable new biological insights.
Within this context, our group has introduced a groundbreaking microscopy paradigm known as single-photon microscopy, which has led to the development of a series of new fluorescence microscopy techniques encompassing imaging, single-particle tracking, and spectroscopy. By harnessing the capabilities of advanced single-photon array detectors to register fluorescence photons individually, we can significantly enhance the major characteristics of the microscope, including effective spatial and temporal resolution, as well as access a wealth of sample information, such as molecular concentrations, dynamics, interactions, and micro-environment conditions.
We firmly believe that these advanced methods will revolutionize the field of RNA biology. By utilizing these novel imaging and tracking approaches, we expect to address unanswered questions and unravel intricate mechanisms in RNA biology, essential for targeting and harnessing RNAs as novel therapeutics.
Within the team, your main responsibilities will include using and optimizing cutting-edge microscopy techniques to study RNA in living human cell lines. Specifically, you will be working with state-of-the-art microscopy tools for imaging, spectroscopy and tracking developed in our lab, e.g., single-molecule imaging and tracking, super-resolution microscopy, fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging. You will be involved in the development of the instrumentations, in the conduction of the experiments and the relative analysis.
Throughout your work, you can expect to receive constant support from multiple groups affiliated with the RNA-initiative of the Italian Institute of Technology. These groups boast extensive experience in RNA biology and aptamer development, providing an enriching and collaborative environment for your research endeavors.
- This open position is financed by the European Union - Next Generation EU within the PNRR MUR - M4C2 - Action 1.4 - Call "Potenziamento strutture di ricerca e creazione di campioni nazionali di R&S'' (CUP J33C22001130001), National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology (No. CN00000041)._
**ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS**
- A PhD or equivalent degree (or evidence of its completion in the nearest future) in Biophysics or Bioengineer;
- Demonstrate Prior Experience in fluorescence microscopy;
- Prior experience with cell culture, molecular biology, and other wet lab skills is a merit;
- Prior experience with fluorescent RNA (e.g. fluorogenic RNA aptamers) is a further plus;
- The ability and motivation to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team are crucial;
- Good English language skill, both spoken and written, is required.
**ADDITIONAL SKILLS**
- Experience (or attitude) in coaching Ph.D. students;
- Good communication skills
- Strong problem solving attitude
- High motivation to learn
- Spirit of innovation and creativity
- Good in time and priority management
**COMPENSATION PACKAGE**
- Private health care coverage
- Wide range of staff discounts
- Researchers coming to Italy for the first time, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax reductions (up to 90%).
**WHAT'S IN FOR YOU?**
- An equal,