Postdoc – Legnini Group, Genomics Research Centre

APPLICATIONCLOSINGDATE: January 15th , 2023

Human Technopole (HT) is a new interdisciplinary life science research institute in Milan, Italy with the mission to foster basic and applied research for developing innovative strategies to improve human health. HT is composed of five centres: Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, Neurogenomics and Analysis Decision and Society. The Centres work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.

Human Technopole is looking for postdocs for the Centre of Genomics in the research group of Ivano Legnini. The Legnini Group combines molecular and systems biology approaches to study gene regulation. Major scientific interests of the lab are: studying gene regulation in the context of neurodevelopment and neuronal function; combining quantitative modelling and cutting-edge transcriptomic technologies (long-reads sequencing, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics) for studying RNA metabolism; adopting and developing innovative methods and models for studying gene regulation (optogenetics, organoids).

More info on the lab can be found at: https://humantechnopole.it/en/research-groups/legnini-group/

Research topics:

Area 1: How do spatial gene expression territories emerge in complex developing tissues?

The candidate will work on new organoid models of neurodevelopment where precise genetic control (e.g. by synthetic biology / optogenetics) will enable to reconstitute in vitro complex signalling pathways and morphogen gradients. By applying single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, the candidate will try to understand the principles guiding the emergence of spatially restricted gene expression territories and will then probe their hypotheses for example by genetic perturbations and additional functional genomic approaches.

See for example previous work: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.09.26.461850

Area 2: How are different RNA regulatory levels functionally integrated in neurons?

The candidate will work on RNA metabolism, covering aspects such as RNA processing, polyadenylation, translation and subcellular localization, by integrating different high-throughput, high-resolution transcriptomic readouts (e.g. SLAM-seq, FLAM-seq, Riboseq, eCLIP, multiplexed FISH). A major emphasis will be on gene regulation and the role of RNA binding proteins in neurons.

See for example previous work: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-019-0503-y

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Designing and performing experiments in the fields of molecular and systems biology, functional genomics, stem-cell-derived neuronal models such as organoids or 2D neuronal cultures; applying different bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies (in research topic area 1 or 2).   

AND/OR

• Analyzing high-throughput and multi-modal transcriptomic data and generating quantitative models of gene regulation and RNA metabolism (in research topic area 1 or 2).

• Conceiving and developing new ideas, approaches or original technologies for studying gene regulation, RNA metabolism and in general the above research areas.
• Generating and recording data, protocols and/or code for publication.
• Drafting manuscripts and figures deriving from their own results.
• Interacting with and supporting other laboratory members.
• Sharing and discussing research results with key collaborators in the group, institute and among external collaborations.
• Presenting scientific results in relevant international meetings.

Essentials:

Please note that we highly value interdisciplinary approaches and diverse backgrounds. Please consider applying if you are interested in the topic, whether your background is in molecular or computational biology, biophysics, biochemistry or other similar disciplines. A “hybrid” background (experience in both experimental and computational approaches for biology) is highly appreciated, but not essential. The candidate, however, should have interest in expanding their skillset during their postdoctoral experience.

• A PhD in either biology, bioinformatics/computational biology, biophysics, biochemistry or other relevant disciplines.
• Interest in the research topics described above and in general in gene regulation, RNA metabolism, neurodevelopment, innovative functional genomics technologies.
• For candidates with a more experimental background, experience in at least one of the areas of the main responsibilities and especially in either transcriptomic technologies (short/long read sequencing, single-cell/spatial transcriptomics), and/or molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein manipulations, cloning, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation), and/or microscopy (e.g. immunofluorescence, RNAFISH, confocal microscopy), and/or and stem-cell derived neurons/organoids (iPS cells, in vitro differentiation protocols, transfections/transductions), and/or gene perturbation approaches (e.g. CRISPR, RNAi, degron systems).
• For candidates with a more computational background, good knowledge of R or Python, experience with analysis of transcriptomic data (short/long read sequencing, single-cell/spatial transcriptomics).
• Essential knowledge of statistics and data analysis approaches for RNA/protein/imaging data.
• Fluency in English (HT is an international research institute and English will be the main spoken language in the lab).
• Independence and flexibility in terms of managing projects and new ideas;
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour.
• Ability to build trust through operating with transparency and creating an open and positive environment.
• Ability to work in an inclusive environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Additional/preferred job requirements:

• For candidates with a more experimental background, experience with advanced imaging techniques (e.g. multiplexed IF/FISH, live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy etc.), and/or genetic perturbation screens (e.g. CRISPR-based perturb-seq, RNAi-based parallel screens etc.) are a plus.
• For candidates with a more computational background, experience with quantitative models of gene expression/RNA metabolism, and/or machine learning, and/or advanced image analysis are a plus.

Application instructions

Please apply sending a CV and motivation letter in English only through the dedicated area below (Apply now) and the name and contact details of at least two potential referees. Additionally, you can also list a potential referee that is a former trainee (e.g. a student you supervised). Referees will be contacted only in case the application passes the pre-screening and asked for a short recommendation letter and/or a phone call.

In the motivation letter (up to 3 pages max), you may cover some or all of the following points at your discretion: 1) your scientific background, 2) your favourite scientific topic; 3) what you consider your major scientific accomplishment (can be anything: a result, a protocol, an idea, a chunk of code); 4) why you want to apply and work on the topic of this call.

For additional specific enquires concerning the scientific focus and the role in the lab, please contact the group leader: [email protected] (this email address should not be used to send applications).

Please note: we will communicate the outcome of your application soon after the deadline (January 15th , 2023).

Additional information:

HT is based in Milan, Italy. It offers a highly collaborative, international culture to foster top quality, interdisciplinary research, with outstanding research groups and core facilities. HT offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to a leading, internationally competitive, research organisation that promotes a collegial and open atmosphere.

HT is an inclusive employer that fosters diversity and engages systematically to ensure that equal employment opportunities are provided without regard to age, race, creed, religion, sex, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws.

Number of positions offered: 2
Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Employee level, contract duration fixed term 4 years.
Starting date is ideally between April and June 2023 but can be discussed.