Technician, Legnini Group, FIS3 POLARIS project

Build the science that shapes the future of human health.

Application closing date: 24.03.2026

Expected start date: end May – beginning June 2026

Join a place where ambitious science thrives

Human Technopole (Milan) is a rapidly expanding life science institute where international researchers and cutting-edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery. Our mission is to transform bold scientific ideas into advances that improve human health.

Within this mission, the Legnini Group (https://humantechnopole.it/en/research-groups/legnini-group/) combines molecular and systems biology approaches to study gene regulation. We use synthetic biology and optogenetics to engineer cells and organoids with the aim of reproducing complex regulatory cascades, then apply integrative transcriptomic readouts to understand the principles of gene regulation, particularly in neurodevelopment. At the same time, we use and develop high-throughput transcriptomic technologies and quantitative models to study mRNA regulation from synthesis to degradation.

Your mission

Within the FIS-funded POLARIS project (FIS-2024-04993, CUP B53C25003890001), we are seeking a skilled and motivated technician to support a growing research team, conducting experiments, generating data and supporting the lab organization: this position is ideal for early-career Research Technicians seeking their first professional experience in a research environment.

The successful candidate will work with mammalian cell culture, RNA and protein molecular biology assays, fluorescence imaging assays and diverse library preparation protocols for high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing.

Grow your skills
You will enhance your scientific and professional skills by:

• Conducting experiments and providing technical support in the fields of molecular and systems biology.
• Maintaining and performing experiments with mammalian cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells and organoids and applying a variety of transcriptomic technologies.
• Generating, adopting and optimizing of new tools and protocols with the support of senior colleagues.
• Generating and recording data and protocols for publication.
• Contributing to the lab work organization, including ordering and inventory management.
• Working within a growing and dynamic research team: the Legnini Group is composed of a young Group Leader with a well-established lab with 2 Postdocs, 3 PhD students, 1 Senior Technician and 1 intern, and which will grow soon with new hires thanks to recently funded projects.
• Collaborating with top internal and external collaborators, including access to cutting-edge facilities.

Additionally, Human Technopole supports career development through training, mentoring and dedicated learning opportunities.

What you'll bring

Essential

• Degree in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering or other relevant areas.
• Previous experience in laboratories involved in the area of the main responsibilities, with particular emphasis on molecular biology, genomics or microscopy.
• Fluency in English, the working language of HT.

Preferred

• Basic familiarity with at least one of the following areas: transcriptomic technologies (short/long read sequencing library preparation), and/or molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein manipulations, cloning, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation), and/or microscopy (e.g. immunofluorescence, RNA FISH, confocal microscopy), and/or stem cells and organoids (induced pluripotent stem cells, in vitro differentiation protocols, transfections/transductions), and/or gene perturbation approaches (e.g. CRISPR, RNAi, degron systems).
• General technical understanding of the area of genomics, next generation sequencing, cell culture, gene perturbation technologies.

Organizational and social skills

• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and a professional attitude toward collaborative work and shared goals, including a consistent and proactive approach to on-site responsibilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to working in a diverse, international research setting.

At HT, your discoveries contribute to a global effort to improve human health.

Why Human Technopole

HT offers an international and dynamic workplace, competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies and relocation support. Researchers moving to Italy may benefit from attractive tax benefits. We promote work–life balance and provide parental support initiatives.

How to apply
Submit:
• CV
• Motivation letter (English)
• Contact details of two referees

This is a 5-year contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Level C2

Salary: up to € 35.000.

The position is based in Milan, Italy, within our vibrant international campus.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories (L. 68/99).

The POLARIS project “Mechanisms and Regulatory Principles of Poly(A) Tails in the Control of mRNA Metabolism” is funded by MUR under the FIS3 Fondo Italiano di Scienza (FIS-2024-04993, CUP B53C25003890001).