Post Doc The role of non-coding RNAs in shaping 3D chromatin architecture - (2200001L)

Commitment & contract: Post-doctoral position

Location: CHT@Erzelli Genova

ABOUT US

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 headquarters are strictly interconnected with the other 11 centers around Italy and two outstations based in the US. We promote excellence in basic and applied research such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, nanotechnology, materials for a truly multidisciplinary scientific experience.

YOUR TEAM

You’d be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where computational scientists, chemists, biotechnologists and biologists collaborate, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research within the Non-coding RNAs and RNA-based therapeutics Research Line.

Our research focuses on understanding how  non-coding elements (DNA/RNA) and their epigenetic modifications regulate 3D genome architecture and  gene expression in stem cells and cancer stem cells. To address this question we use cutting-edge chromatin conformation assays such as Hi-C and Hi-ChIP and other high-throughput sequencing techniques (e.g. RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq) in combination with CRISPR-based genetic and epigenetic engineering tools in both mouse embryonic stem cells and  human cancer stem cells. Our final goal is to understand how ncRNAs and their protein co-factors can induce and/or maintain 3D promoter-enhancer contacts, which ultimately determines the set of cell-type-specific expressed genes that are important for stemness and tumorigenesis.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Perform experiments in the area of 3D chromatin conformation, stem cells, non-coding RNAs and epitranscriptomics.

• Use advanced molecular biology techniques for the manipulation of  RNA, DNA and proteins.

• Analyze and integrate next-generation sequencing data using computational tools and pipelines.

• Record experimental data in both paper and electronic format

• Assist in generating preliminary data and figures for grant proposals

• Collaborate with other researchers to implement new techniques

• Supervise and mentor junior members of the team

• Write research and review articles as well as apply for external postdoctoral funding

This open position is financed by the Human Technopole (within the Early Career Fellowship Program). The successful Post-doc candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Dafne Campigli Di Giammartino.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in Biology including molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, computer science and/or similar disciplines

• Previous experience in stem cell culture and molecular biology techniques

• Experience in producing and analyzing genome-wide technologies, including but not limited to CHIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq etc

• A strong publication record

• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data

• Documented experience in coaching junior scientists

• Excellent command in spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Experience in 3D chromatin conformation assays  (e.g. Hi-C and Hi-ChIP etc)

• Previous research experience in RNA biology (non-coding RNAs is a plus)

• Ability to perform genomic and epigenomic editing techniques in stem cells using CRISPR-(d)Cas9 technologies

• Ability to analyze and visualize sequencing data and integrating multi-omics data produced by different methods using computational tools and pipelines

• Good communication skills

• Strong problem solving attitude

• High motivation to learn

• Spirit of innovation and creativity

• Excellent management and organizational skills

• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards

• Private health care coverage

• Wide range of staff discounts

• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years

 WHAT’S IN FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!

• We like collaboration and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs! 

• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There’s a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation! 

• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.

• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!

• We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!

If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!

Please submit your application using the online form and including a CV with a list of publications, and a cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications)-  names and contacts of  2-3 referees will be asked after the initial interview step.

Application’s deadline: August 22nd 2022

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.

Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et. seq. of European Regulation no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 - email: [email protected]  - kindly note that this e-mail address is exclusively reserved for handling data protection issues. Please, do not use this e-mail address to send any document and/or request of information about this opening).