APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: October 25th, 2024. About Human Technopole: Human Technopole (HT) is an international life science research institute in Milan, created and supported by the Italian government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. Researchers at HT work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.
About the position HT is seeking a highly versatile and motivated Technician or Senior Technician in Imaging and Spatial Biology to join a cross-disciplinary initiative between our research centres of Structural Biology and Computational Biology. The position will mainly focus on advancing microscopy techniques – specifically expansion microscopy – while integrating spatial 'omics methodologies. The role will involve developing, optimizing, and implementing methods for imaging human tissues across multiple scales and preparing samples for high-resolution imaging and spatial molecular profiling.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in multiple microscopy techniques and a solid understanding of cell biology, paired with the capacity to learn quickly and develop new protocols. While expertise in spatial 'omics techniques (such as spatial transcriptomics) is not required at the outset, the development of these skills is both expected and fully supported, with training provided throughout the position. The role demands proficiency not only in imaging but also in tissue processing, with histopathology skills being highly desirable. We are looking for someone with scientific curiosity and a demonstrated capacity to learn quickly and develop new protocols and methods.
The post will be supported by core facilities, such as HT's Light Imaging, Structural Biology, and Genomics Facilities, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and platforms to drive innovation in imaging and spatial biology. The project follows an interdisciplinary approach, requiring close collaboration with other technicians as well as computational scientists and bioinformaticians to analyze the generated datasets. This role presents an exciting opportunity for individuals eager to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, contribute to formulating and validating hypotheses, and take an active role in advancing new methodologies in this field.
Key tasks and responsibilities Main activities of the Technician in the project:
Design, implement and optimize advanced microscopy techniques, with a primary focus on expansion microscopy. Prepare and process human tissues and human-derived model systems for both microscopy-based imaging (e.g., expansion microscopy) as well as spatial molecular profiling, ensuring that samples are properly sectioned, preserved, and prepared. Collaborate on the integration of spatial 'omics technologies, including spatial transcriptomics, into imaging workflows. Develop protocols to bridge microscopy and molecular profiling for multi-dimensional tissue analysis. Work closely with other experimentalists and computational scientists, as well as specialists in HT's National Facilities, to generate and interpret imaging and spatial molecular datasets. Create and refine standardized protocols for microscopy and tissue processing to ensure reproducibility and accuracy. Document procedures thoroughly for use by the broader research team. General activities in the lab Ensure that all data is recorded accurately, adhering to internal standards for research publication. Work with the HT National Facility for Light Imaging and for Genomics for sample profiling, if required. Provide training and technical support to other lab members. Help guide the use of laboratory equipment and the implementation of new methods. Liaise with the Lab Manager and staff to write, update, and ensure compliance with risk assessments and lab safety standards. Essential requirements (Candidates must provide evidence of the following essential requirements in their CV)
Bachelor's degree in a relevant life science field such as molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, or in a related discipline. Alternatively, a degree in a field with a strong focus on microscopy techniques. Hands-on experience in multiple advanced microscopy techniques and imaging workflows. Significant hands-on experience working in a laboratory setting, with direct involvement in the main areas of responsibility mentioned above. For Senior Technician roles, at least 5 years of proven experience as a Laboratory Technician is required. Fluency in English (including strong skills in speaking, comprehension, and writing) is essential, as English is the official language at HT. Preferential requirements Demonstrated expertise in tissue handling and basic histopathology techniques, including preservation (e.g., fixation, cryopreservation), processing (e.g., embedding in paraffin/OCT), sectioning (e.g., microtomy, cryotomy), and staining (e.g., morphology staining) is highly preferential. Experience in manipulating human tissues. Strong foundational knowledge in molecular biology. Experience working in international settings is advantageous. Organizational and social skills Experience in developing or optimizing laboratory protocols to ensure standardized and reproducible procedures across experiments. Demonstrated experience in reliably generating, recording, and managing experimental data in a clear and organized manner, ensuring consistency and reproducibility. Collaborative experience in an international and interdisciplinary environment. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently. Excellent troubleshooting, organization, and communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Application Instructions Please apply by sending:
i) a CV in English
ii) a motivation letter in English
iii) names and contacts of 2 referees
For any inquiry about the call, please feel free to contact Prof Andrea Sottoriva at ****** (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 skillsets 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.
• Counseling.
• Support for relocation.
Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99. Number of positions offered: 1
Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 3 years - employee level.
The position is based in Milan.
Salary range: up to 41K. Tax benefits where applicable. "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."
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