APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: November 30th, 2025

Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary life science research institute, created and supported by the Italian Government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. HT is composed of six Centers: Neurogenomics, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, Molecular Cell Biology and Health Data Science. The Centers 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 Flagship Research Programme

Flagship Research Programmes at HT are strategic collaborative efforts that leverage the cutting-edge expertise and infrastructure available at HT for translational research focused on different human pathologies.

About the lab

The Legnini Group at Human Technopole (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 of RNA metabolism to study mRNA regulation from synthesis to degradation.

See previous work on the lab’s research topics 

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-023-01986-w

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01405-y

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-019-0503-y

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.012

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2022.105878

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoc to study how genetic and environmental risk factors interact in the context of neural tube defects. The candidate will use stem-cell derived organoid models, genetic engineering, single-cell transcriptomics and imaging readouts to understand the mechanisms underlying specific congenital defects of neural tube morphogenesis.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop innovative methods to achieve project goals.
• Generate, document, and analyze high-quality experimental data for publications and grants.
• Contribute to scientific dissemination through papers and conference presentations.
• Mentor students and junior staff, providing internal training and technical guidance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external experts to share knowledge and support project development.
• Design and manage research plans and experiments in coordination with Group Leaders and colleagues.

Job requirements

Essential requirements

• Hold a PhD in a life science discipline by the time of application or the position starting date.
• Consolidated experience in mammalian cell culture, imaging and molecular biology techniques.

Preferred requirements

• Previous experience with human stem-cell derived models, especially organoids.
• Good knowledge of developmental biology and/or neurobiology.
• Good knowledge and/or previous experience with RNA sequencing techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing.

Organisational and social skills

• Mentoring capabilities.
• Strong technical expertise in facility operations and IT integration.
• Excellent organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Outstanding communication and networking abilities.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send the following:

• a CV.
• a motivation letter in English relating your track record to the specifics of the call.
• names and contacts of 2 referees.

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.
• Meal delivery service.
• Work-life balance provisions.
• Italian language training for non-native speakers.
• Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
• Flexible working hours.
• Remote working policy.
• Support for relocation.
• Researchers coming to Italy for the first time, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.

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 4 years with possibility of renewal - CCNL Level: B2
Tax benefits where applicable.

The position is based in Milan.